Japan, Qatar drawn together in Asian Cup finals
RIYADH: Record winners Japan were drawn in the same group as champions Qatar for next year’s AFC Asian Cup, while hosts Saudi Arabia will meet Kuwait, Oman and Palestine. The draw for the 2027 edition of the continent’s showpiece event, which runs from January 7 to February 5, took place on Saturday in Diriyah on the outskirts of Riyadh. Saudi Arabia is staging the Asian Cup for the first time as the kingdom views the tournament as a precursor to hosting the 2034 World Cup. For the third time running, the Asian Cup will feature 24 national teams, with 23 already confirmed. The sole remaining spot will go to either Lebanon or Yemen, who contest a play-off in Doha on June 4. A tie would be enough for Lebanon to qualify. At the draw, Japan were placed in Group F alongside Qatar, Thailand and Indonesia. Japan have lifted the trophy a record four times, although they have not won the tournament since 2011. Saudi Arabia and Iran each have three wins, with Qatar crowned champions for the past two tournaments, in 2019 and 2023. Last time out, the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts defeated Jordan 3-1 in the final. Both countries have qualified for this summer’s global finals, with Jordan competing for the first time. On Saturday, teams were divided into four pots of six in accordance with the latest FIFA ranking as of April 1. At 18th in the official standings, Japan are the lead country in Asia, with Iran second (No.