China start their 2023 AFC Asian Cup campaign with a Group A clash against Tajikistan on January 13.
Hosts and defending champions Qatar kickoff the tournament the day before, up against Lebanon, and China are expected to battle with the holders for top spot in the group.
China have made it to the quarterfinals in their last two AFC Asian Cup appearances but they have not reached the final since losing to Japan as hosts in 2004.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch it across the world, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
What time does China vs Tajikistan kick off?
This AFC Asian Cup clash takes place at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar and kicks off on Saturday, January 13 at 5:30 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across some of the major territories:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| USA | Sat, Jan. 13 | 9:30 a.m. ET |
| Canada | Sat, Jan. 13 | 9:30 a.m. ET |
| UK | Sat, Jan. 13 | 2:30 p.m. GMT |
| Australia | Sun, Jan. 14 | 1:30 a.m. AEDT |
| India | Sat, Jan. 13 | 8:00 p.m. IST |
China vs Tajikistan live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this AFC Asian Cup match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:
USA: This match will be available via Paramount+ and Fubo USA.
UK: Asian Cup matches will be shown on subscription streaming service TrillerTV.
Australia: Paramount+ will provide streaming services for the tournament.
India: Streaming service FanCode is the place to go for AFC Asian Cup matches.
China vs Tajikistan lineups, team news
China’s entire squad for the tournament is based in their national Chinese Super League with the sole exception of defender Wu Shaocong who is playing for Turkish side Gençlerbirliği.
China (3-4-3, right to left): Yan (GK) — Zhang, Jiang, Zhu — Y. Liu, Wu, Wang, B. Liu — W. Lei, Tan, S. Wei.
China subs (9): TBC
The majority of Tajikistan’s squad are home-based as they prepare for a first-ever AFC Asian Cup appearance in Qatar.
Tajikistan (4-3-3 right to left): Yatimov (GK) — Safarov, Khanonov, Juribaev, Nazarov — Umarboev, Juraboev, Panjshanbe — Kamolov, Soirov, Dzhalilov.
Tajikistan subs (9): TBC
China vs Tajikistan prediction
With Tajikistan completely unproven at this level, China are strong favourites to start their campaign with a victory in Doha.
Progression into the knockout stages is expected for China as they look to battle Qatar for first place in Group A in the coming weeks.
Prediction: China 2-1 Tajikistan