Australia, Japan and South Korea head into the Asian Cup as clear favourites in a tournament that will test Qatar's ability to host a major event after being controversially awarded the 2022World Cup.

The three-week football festival, featuring the region's top 16 teams, kicks off on January 7 when the hosts face Uzbekistan ahead of the final on January 29.

How the tiny Gulf emirate fares in staging such a high-profile tournament will be closely watched after FIFA surprisingly handed it the World Cup ahead of more fancied bids from Australia, Japan, South Korea and the United States.

While 16 teams take part, the heavyweight trio of Australia, Japan and South Korea are expected to dominate as they look to build on solid showings at the 2010 World Cup.

But it won't be a three-horse race with Iraq the defending champions and Kuwait coming off a morale-boosting victory at the recent Gulf Cup, while Iran and Saudi Arabia can never be written off.

Australia's squad of European-based

stars are desperate to make amends for their maiden tournament in 2007 when they struggled.

They are grouped with the Park Ji-Sung-led South Korea, who made the knockout rounds in South Africa.

The Koreans are gunning to land a first Asian title in 51 years, leaving fellow Group C teams Bahrain and India facing an early exit.

Japan also has a strong line-up, with CSKA Moscow midfielder Keisuke Honda chosen to lead the Blue Samurai.

The three-time champions get their campaign underway on January 9 against Jordan. Saudi Arabia and Syria are also in the group and play their opener on the same night.

Qatar and Uzbekistan kick-off the tournament at the Khalifa Stadium, one of five arenas being used, all in the capital Doha.

They are in Group A alongside perennial underachievers China and Kuwait.

Defending champions Iraq are back to try and emulate their finest footballing achievement when they beat Saudi Arabia in the 2007 final.

But it won't be easy with Iran, United Arab Emirates and North Korea awaiting them in Group D.