The 1956 AFC Asian Cup was the first continental football championship organized by the Asian Football Confederation, establishing a quadrennial competition for Asian nations.
Key Facts
- Edition
- Inaugural (1st) AFC Asian Cup
- Host territory
- Hong Kong
- Tournament dates
- 1 September – 15 September 1956
- Number of teams
- 4 teams
- Format
- Round-robin, no final
- Winner
- South Korea
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Asian Football Confederation, founded in 1954, sought to establish a formal continental football championship to promote the sport across Asia. Planning for a quadrennial tournament began shortly after the AFC's formation, resulting in the organisation of an inaugural competition to be hosted in Hong Kong.
The inaugural AFC Asian Cup was held in Hong Kong from 1 to 15 September 1956. Four national teams competed in a round-robin format with no knockout final. An unusual ruling set match duration at 80 minutes, with 30 minutes of extra time available for drawn games, though this provision was never invoked. South Korea emerged as champions.
South Korea's victory in the inaugural tournament established the nation as the first AFC Asian Cup champion. The competition laid the groundwork for a recurring quadrennial continental championship that would grow significantly in participation and prestige over subsequent decades, becoming the premier football tournament in Asia.