Japan, Qatar drawn together in Asian Cup finals / Photo: Fayez NURELDINE - AFP
-
Lyles says 'well worth the journey' after winning 100m in Tokyo
-
Nepali duo break own records on Everest
-
North Korean women footballers land in South ahead of rare match
-
North Korean women footballers arrive in South Korea: AFP
-
Rousey demolishes Carano in MMA comeback fight
-
German 'chemical town' fears impact of industrial decline
-
Qantas flight diverted after man bites flight attendant
-
India scrambles to steady rupee as oil shock bites
-
McGregor to make UFC return with Holloway rematch
-
WHO declares international emergency as Ebola outbreak kills more than 80 in DR Congo
-
Crackdown in Southeast Asia pushes scam networks to Sri Lanka
-
'Geek' hangout to tourist draw: Japan's maid cafes
-
Spacecraft to probe how Earth fends off raging solar winds
-
Bulgaria's 'Bangaranga' wins Eurovision, with Israel second
-
Musk wants SpaceX to go public. Here's how it works
-
Big risks and rewards in upcoming IPOs at SpaceX, OpenAI, Anthropic
-
Pal in last duo could ease nerves for PGA leader Smalley
-
Ronaldo suffers more agony as Al Nassr lose 1-0 in AFC final
-
Venezuela expels Maduro ally Alex Saab to US again
-
Rising star Woad in charge at LPGA Queen City Championship
-
Rodgers returning with Steelers for 22nd season
-
Rahm on PGA: 'It's a battle out there'
-
Dara: dancing to victory at Eurovision
-
Bulgaria's 'Bangaranga' beat sweeps Eurovision Song Contest
-
Napoleon Solo wins 151st Preakness Stakes
-
Last 10 Eurovision winners
-
Smalley grabs PGA lead as wild final day showdown looms
-
Canada cruise passenger 'presumptive positive' for hantavirus
-
Five share PGA lead logjam with wild final day in store
-
Decision time at full-throttle Eurovision final
-
McIlroy charges into the hunt for epic major comeback win
-
Iran confirms squad heading to Turkey for World Cup preparation
-
Bolivian police clash with protesters blocking roads
-
Eurovision final kicks off with Viennese grandeur
-
Svitolina sees off Gauff to win Italian Open, Sinner in men's title showdown
-
Stranded whale rescued in Germany found dead in Denmark
-
Alonso set for appointment as Chelsea manager: reports
-
Spanish star Javier Bardem says 'narrative changing' on Gaza
-
Gujarat miss out on top spot as Kolkata stay alive in IPL
-
Charging McIlroy grabs share of the PGA lead
-
Rwanda genocide suspect Kabuga dead: court
-
No beer for City stars despite FA Cup win, says Guardiola
-
Modi oversees semi-conductor deal on Dutch trip
-
Americans 'should demonstrate like the French,' says Woody Harrelson
-
Vienna abuzz for Eurovision final
-
McFarlane eyes 'massive' Spurs clash after FA Cup final defeat
-
Scuffles from Europe to NYC as Swatch sale descends into chaos
-
Bielle-Biarrey helps Bordeaux-Begles avoid Top 14 slip-up before Champions Cup final
-
Man City still dream of Premier League glory after FA Cup win: Silva
-
Hearts broken as O'Neill summons Celtic's champion spirit
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
J.AbuShaban--SF-PST