AFC
Bangkok
The stage is set for a thrilling AFC U17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023 following the official draw on Thursday.
Following a captivating round of qualifiers, which was held from October 1 to 9 last year, the attention now shifts to the showpiece Finals, which will be staged in Bangkok and Chonburi over 18 days from June 15 to July 2, 2023.
Adding to the intensity, the tournament will also see the top four sides seal their places for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2023 in Peru in November.
For the draw, the 16 teams were divided into four groups which will see the top four sides seal their places for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Peru 2023.
Hosts Thailand, champions in 1998, will have Malaysia, Laos and Yemen for company.
Two-time champions Korea Republic were drawn with Iran, Afghanistan, and Qatar in an exciting Group B, with Iran and Qatar having won the title once each previously.
Tajikistan, the 2018 runners-up, will face a challenging Group C with Australia, Saudi Arabia and China drawn - both two-time winners - with them.
Japan, the 2018 champions and three-time winners, will face India, Vietnam and Uzbekistan in Group D.
The Groups
Group A: Thailand, Yemen, Malaysia, Laos; Group B: Korea Republic, IR Iran, Afghanistan, Qatar; Group C: Tajikistan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, China; Group D: Japan, India, Vietnam, Uzbekistan.