NAGOYA, Japan, July 23 (Xinhua) -- China will face Iran, the United Arab Emirates and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in Group B of the 2026 Asian Games men's football tournament following Thursday's draw in Nagoya.
China was among the top seeds in the men's draw after finishing runner-up at the AFC U-23 Asian Cup in January, joining host Japan, defending champion South Korea and Vietnam in Pot 1.
The men's tournament will feature 15 teams following Iraq's withdrawal, with the top two sides from each of the four groups advancing to the quarterfinals.
Groups A, B and C each contain four teams, while Group D consists of South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Host Japan will face Thailand, Kyrgyzstan and Hong Kong, China in Group A, while Vietnam was drawn alongside Uzbekistan, the Philippines and Kuwait in Group C.
The women's competition features 12 teams divided into three groups of four, with the top two sides in each group and the two best third-placed teams advancing to the quarterfinals.
China was drawn alongside the Philippines, Uzbekistan and Hong Kong, China in Group G.
Defending champion Japan will face Chinese Taipei, Vietnam and Thailand in Group E, while Group F features South Korea, DPRK, Bangladesh and Myanmar.
The men's competition is primarily for U-23 players, although each team may select up to three over-age players. There is no age restriction in the women's tournament.
South Korea has won the past three Asian Games men's football titles, while Japan claimed the women's gold medal at the previous edition in Hangzhou.
The football tournaments will take place from September 14 to October 3 at seven venues across Aichi, Gifu, Shizuoka and Osaka prefectures. ■
