Changzhou: The path to 2018 AFC U-23 Championship glory is set to be revealed, with the continent’s 16 best teams to be split into four groups at a glittering ceremony in Changzhou, China on Tuesday.
Teams representing the full length and breadth of world football’s largest Confederation will discover their group stage opponents for January’s Finals, held for the first time in the world’s most populous nation.
The 16 qualified teams have been split into four pots, and seeded according to their finish in the 2016 AFC U-23 Championships.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE AFC U-23 CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW
Reigning champions Japan and 2013 AFC U-23 Champions Iraq are in Pot 1, where they will be joined by 2016 finalists Korea Republic and host nation China PR.
There are also new names in the hat, with both and Malaysia and Palestine making debut appearances in the ceremony after securing qualification in July.
The draw, to be conducted by Executive Director of AFC Competitions Shin Mangil, will also reveal the host cities and venues for next January’s 32-match showpiece.
As host nation, China PR are automatically allocated to positon A1 in the draw.
AFC U-23 CHAMPIONSHIP CHINA 2018 – Final Draw: Pots
Pot 1
Pot 2
Pot 3
Pot 4
China PR (A1)
Qatar
Uzbekistan
Vietnam
Japan
Jordan
Syria
Oman
Korea Republic
DPR Korea
Saudi Arabia
Palestine
Iraq
Australia
Thailand
Malaysia
*Each group will feature one team from each pot.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE AFC U-23 CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW
Photo: AFC
Source: the-afc.com