AFC Asian Cup 2027 groups: who plays who in Saudi Arabia

The AFC Asian Cup 2027 draw put Japan with holders Qatar, South Korea with Vietnam, and hosts Saudi Arabia in an all-Arab group with Kuwait, Oman and Palestine. The 24-team tournament runs from 7 January to 5 February 2027 in Riyadh, Jeddah and Khobar.

All six groups

Group A

Saudi Arabia (hosts), Kuwait, Oman, Palestine. An all-Arab group for the hosts; Palestine reached the knockout stage at the 2023 tournament.

Group B

Uzbekistan, Bahrain, North Korea, Jordan. Includes Jordan, runners-up at the 2023 Asian Cup.

Group C

Iran, Syria, Kyrgyzstan, China.

Group D

Australia, Tajikistan, Iraq, Singapore. Australia are the top-ranked team; Singapore return to the finals.

Group E

South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Yemen. South Korea face the UAE and Southeast Asian side Vietnam.

Group F

Japan, Qatar, Thailand, Indonesia. Japan meet holders Qatar, with two Southeast Asian teams completing the group.

How teams qualify for the knockouts

The top two in each group and the four best third-placed teams reach the round of 16. Knockout matches level after 90 minutes go to extra time and, if needed, penalties.

The match schedule and kick-off times will be added to our guide when the AFC confirms them.

More: AFC Asian Cup 2027 guide · Preparations on schedule, say organisers

Sources: 2027 AFC Asian Cup (Wikipedia); ESPN draw report; Malay Mail.