Overview
- The Asian Football Confederation finalized the group stage on Saturday in Riyadh, confirming a 24‑team tournament in Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5, 2027.
- Group D pairs Australia with Iraq, coached by former Socceroos boss Graham Arnold, alongside Tajikistan and Singapore.
- Japan, a four‑time champion, will face defending titleholder Qatar in Group F with Thailand and Indonesia.
- Host Saudi Arabia landed in Group A with Kuwait, Oman and Palestine as the kingdom stages the Asian Cup for the first time.
- One spot remains open as Lebanon face Yemen on June 4 after the AFC postponed the original April 11 draw because of the regional conflict.