Japan, Qatar drawn together in Asian Cup finals / Photo: Fayez NURELDINE - AFP
-
Tech stocks soar as SK hynix adds to rising AI confidence
-
Billionaire Ambani's Jio to debut after record India IPO
-
Sri Lanka's Tamil farmers fight to reclaim land after civil war
-
UK set for cautious budget as borrowing costs climb
-
Afghans compete for jobs, homes as millions return
-
Anthropic's record IPO faces some big questions
-
'They don't care about us': Trump food aid cuts leave Americans struggling and angry
-
US Fed expected to hold rates steady ahead of key midterm elections
-
Meta, Snap head to trial in another case about social media's harms
-
Can this Latin Grammy-winner help Democrats win back Congress?
-
French Senate passes bill to make protesters pay for unrest damage
-
Tuvalu has 'limited' power to halt its fossil fuel investments: NZ govt papers seen by AFP
-
India evacuates tens of thousands as Cyclone Arnab makes landfall
-
Palestinian activist Khalil returns to Columbia after US detention
-
In tight Israel vote, both camps hold out cautious hope
-
Trump drastically loosens oil and gas methane rules
-
AI chip giant SK hynix says quarterly operating profit soars 630%
-
French Senate weighs bill to make protesters pay for unrest damage
-
Youths testify about 'despair' in unprecedented Canadian climate trial
-
'A very sad day': Arteta despair as Arsenal stunned by Fleetwood
-
Syria, Jordan agree to mend ties after deadly strike
-
Charles tackles thorny legacy of slavery on Caribbean trip
-
Arsenal stunned by fourth-tier Fleetwood in League Cup
-
Former Grand Slam winner Wawrinka ends tennis career
-
Last-gasp Sabitzer strike sends Dortmund past Bremen in German Cup
-
Brazil's Flavio Bolsonaro flees to US after election loss
-
Rights groups reject Emirati diplomat for UN top job
-
'Faerie' nights: 'ACOTAR' fans finally get their book
-
Flavio Bolsonaro headed to US after Brazil election defeat: US media
-
American woman convicted of getting military training from Islamic State
-
Alcaraz and Zverev win Vienna openers
-
Israel opposition holds narrow edge over Netanyahu in first projections
-
Tech firms gain ahead of Fed decision, results from AI giants
-
Floriani hits maiden goal as Lazio go top
-
Syria condemns deadly Jordan strikes as 'unacceptable violation'
-
Trump set to drastically loosen oil and gas sector's methane rules
-
England's Fin Smith in race against time to face Australia
-
Storied Paris department store seeks bankruptcy protection
-
UN nuclear watchdog chief urges Iran to grant access
-
Xhaka, Embolo can return to Swiss squad after fake Covid docs affair
-
Boeing shares tumble after it releases cautious growth forecast
-
Allegri suspended for two Serie A games after red card
-
Lula's re-election revives Brazil-US tensions
-
Flight data, satellite images reveal growing US role at Ecuador base
-
Carney moves to remake Canada alliances as US ties strained
-
McInnes feels 'guilt' ahead of Hearts return with Rangers
-
Serbia's students demand state media chiefs resign after poll win
-
Brazil's Lula turns 81, vows to work '24 hours a day'
-
Starc takes six as Australia fight back in South Africa decider
-
Boeing releases cautious growth plan as shares fall sharply
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
Th.Berger--AMWN
