Soccer-Saudi draw all-Arab group as Qatar meet Japan at Asian Cup 2027

Saudi Arabia ​will host the 2027 ​Asian Cup in an ‌all-Arab Group ​A, while two-time defending champions Qatar face Japan, after Saturday's draw in Riyadh.

The draw ‌had been set for April 11 in the Saudi capital but was postponed because of the Middle East conflict to ensure full ‌attendance and participation from all concerned parties, national associations and ‌partners. Saudi will play alongside Kuwait, Oman and Palestine in Group A, while Group B includes Uzbekistan and Jordan, who both qualified for the World Cup next ⁠month.

Qatar ​were drawn ⁠alongside Japan in Group F, in a repeat of the 2019 final, which ⁠the Qataris won before going on to retain the title at the ​2023 edition. The tournament, which Saudi will host for the first ⁠time, will run from January 7 to February 5, 2027, with the participation ⁠of ​24 teams.

Following is the draw for the Asian Cup 2027 group stage: Group A: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Palestine

Group B: Uzbekistan, ⁠Bahrain, North Korea, Jordan Group C: Iran, Syria, Kyrgyzstan, China

Group D: Australia, ⁠Tajikistan, Iraq, ⁠Singapore Group E: South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Lebanon/Yemen

Group F: Japan, Qatar, Thailand, Indonesia

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