Record winners Japan have been drawn in the same group as champions Qatar for next year’s AFC Asian Cup, while hosts Saudi Arabia will face Kuwait, Oman and Palestine.
The draw for the 2027 edition of the continental showpiece event, which runs from January 7 to February 5, was held on Saturday in Diriyah on the outskirts of Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia is hosting the Asian Cup for the first time as the kingdom sees the tournament as a prelude to hosting the 2034 World Cup.
“We have the advantage of playing at home,” Saudi head coach Giorgos Donis said.
“We have stress but we will manage it with our experience,” the Greek added.
For the third time, the Asian Cup will involve 24 national teams while 23 have already been confirmed.
