The 2004 AFC Asian Cup was a tournament defined by unexpected upsets and intense nationalism.

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Held in China, the 2004 AFC Asian Cup was meant to showcase the nation's rising global stature ahead of the 2008 Olympics. Instead, the event became a lightning rod for historical tensions, controversial officiating, and a series of shocking performances that reshaped the landscape of Asian football.

The 13th edition of the AFC Asian Cup, held from 17 July to 7 August 2004, featured 16 teams. While Japan successfully defended their title, the tournament was defined by the emergence of underdogs. Jordan, making its debut, stunned observers with a goalless draw against South Korea and a victory over Kuwait, while Bahrain finished in fourth place. Conversely, Saudi Arabia failed to advance past the first round, a significant disappointment for the experienced side.

The tournament was marred by persistent anti-Japanese sentiment among Chinese fans, who booed the Japanese national anthem and players throughout the competition. This tension culminated during the final in Beijing, where Japan defeated China 3–1. The match was decided by a controversial handball goal from Koji Nakata, which triggered riots by Chinese supporters outside the Beijing Workers' Stadium. The officiating throughout the tournament, particularly in matches involving the host nation, faced intense scrutiny from international observers and participating teams.

Beyond the pitch, the event served as a high-stakes dress rehearsal for the 2008 Summer Olympics. While Chinese officials viewed the tournament as a successful demonstration of athletic and economic progress, international media highlighted issues with fan behavior and sparse attendance. These challenges sparked broader concerns regarding China's ability to host major international sporting events, with some analysts noting that the displays of nationalism during the tournament became a point of concern for officials looking toward the upcoming Olympic Games.

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