1980 AFC Asian Cup qualification

This 1980 AFC Asian Cup qualification phase started in December 1978 while other qualification matches took place in early 1979. A total of 18 teams participated. Eight teams from the top two of each group advance to the final tournament, joining hosts Kuwait and defending champions Iran.

Groups

 * * Withdrew
 * 🇮🇷 iran qualified as defending champions
 * qualified as hosts

Group 1

 * All matches played in the United Arab Emirates.

Group 2

 * All matches played in Bangladesh.
 * Iraq were originally drawn in this group but they withdrew before the start of the qualifiers.

Group 3

 * All matches played in Thailand.


 * Allocation matches to determine groups
 * received a bye

Final
and qualified for the final tournament''

Group 4

 * All matches played in the Philippines.

Controversies
In the 17 November match between Syria and Bahrain, the referee awarded a penalty to Bahrain. The Syrian head coach entered the pitch, threatening the referee, who stopped the match in the 81st minute. The committee initially awarded the match 3–0 in favour of Bahrain, but Syria threatened to withdraw; the committee adjusted its decision to a replay of the match on 25 November, but then Bahrain withdrew. All matches involving Bahrain were annulled.