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 said.

“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.