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Japan, Qatar drawn together in Asian Cup finals / Photo: Fayez NURELDINE - AFP
Japan, Qatar drawn together in Asian Cup finals
Record winners Japan were drawn in the same group as champions Qatar for next year's AFC Asian Cup, while hosts Saudi Arabia will meet Kuwait, Oman and Palestine.
The draw for the 2027 edition of the continent's showpiece event, which runs from January 7 to February 5, took place on Saturday in Diriyah on the outskirts of Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia are staging the Asian Cup for the first time as the kingdom views the tournament as a precursor to hosting the 2034 World Cup.
"We have the advantage of playing at home," Saudi head coach Giorgos Donis told AFP.
"We have the stress but we will manage it with our experience," the Greek added.
For the third time running, the Asian Cup will feature 24 national teams, with 23 already confirmed.
The sole remaining spot will go to either Lebanon or Yemen, who contest a play-off in Doha on June 4.
A tie would be enough for Lebanon to qualify.
At the draw, Japan were placed in Group F alongside Qatar, Thailand and Indonesia.
Japan have lifted the trophy a record four times, although they have not won the tournament since 2011.
Saudi Arabia and Iran each have three wins, with Qatar crowned champions for the past two tournaments, in 2019 and 2023.
Last time out, the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts defeated Jordan 3-1 in the final.
Both countries have qualified for this summer’s global finals, with Jordan competing for the first time.
On Saturday, teams were divided into four pots of six in accordance with the latest FIFA ranking as of April 1. At 18th in the official standings, Japan are the lead country in Asia, with Iran second (No. 21), South Korea third (No. 25) and Australia fourth (No. 27).
Allocated first position in Pot 1, Saudi Arabia are looking to add to the three titles they won in 1984, 1988 and 1996.
The opening match will be played on June 7 between Saudi Arabia and Palestine at the refurbished King Fahd Sports City Stadium, its 72,000 capacity making it the largest of the venues used.
Group A
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Palestine
Group B
Uzbekistan, Bahrain, DPR Korea, Jordan
Group C
Islamic Republic of Iran, Syria, Kyrgyz Republic, China
Group D
Australia, Tajikistan, Iraq, Singapore
Group E
South Korea, UAE, Vietnam, Lebanon/Yemen
Group F
Japan, Qatar, Thailand, Indonesia
(C.Young--TAG)
