AFC Asian Cup 2027: Japan land defending champions Qatar in tough draw

Four-time winners Japan have been drawn in Group F with defending champions Qatar for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, hosted by Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5. The draw was delayed due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, and the Lebanon-Yemen match, originally scheduled for March 31, has been postponed to June. Saudi Arabia will face Kuwait, Oman, and Palestine in an all-West Asia group.