Saudi Arabia will host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, and the draw has set up several major group battles, including a standout clash between record champions Japan and defending champions Qatar.
The draw took place on Saturday in Diriyah, near Riyadh, for the tournament that will run from January 7 to February 5.
Saudi Arabia are hosting Asia’s biggest football event for the first time. The tournament is also seen as an important step before the country hosts the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Saudi coach Giorgos Donis believes home support can play a big role.
“We have the advantage of playing at home,” he said. “We have the stress but we will manage it with our experience.”
Saudi Arabia were drawn in Group A with Kuwait, Oman and Palestine. The hosts will begin the tournament against Palestine on January 7 at the renovated King Fahd Sports City Stadium, which has a capacity of 72,000.
Japan, the most successful team in Asian Cup history with four titles, were placed in Group F with Qatar, Thailand and Indonesia. Qatar enter the event as back to back champions after winning the 2019 and 2023 editions.
Iran, South Korea and Australia also lead their respective groups based on strong FIFA rankings.
The tournament will again feature 24 teams. So far, 23 nations have qualified. The final place will be decided through a playoff between Lebanon and Yemen in Doha on June 4. Lebanon only need a draw to qualify.
Teams were placed into six team pots based on the FIFA rankings released on April 1. Japan, ranked 18th in the world, remain Asia’s highest ranked side.
Full groups for AFC Asian Cup 2027
Group A
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Palestine
Group B
Uzbekistan, Bahrain, DPR Korea, Jordan
Group C
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
