Overview

• The draw took place at Sydney Town Hall on July 29 and was streamed live on the AFC Asian Cup YouTube Channel.
• Hosts Australia will open their campaign in Group A against South Korea, Iran and the Philippines at Perth’s Optus Stadium on March 1.
• Defending champions China landed in Group B alongside North Korea, Bangladesh and Uzbekistan.
• India returns to the Asian Cup for the first time since 2003 and joins Japan, Vietnam and Chinese Taipei in Group C.
• Twelve teams will compete from March 1–21, 2026 across Sydney, Perth and the Gold Coast with the top two in each group and the two best third-placed sides advancing to the quarter-finals and clinching World Cup berths.