China will play in Group C alongside Iran, Syria and Kyrgyzstan at the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, following the draw in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday. This leaves Team Dragon with a tough challenge at the continental showpiece.

Based on the latest FIFA rankings released on April 1, the 24 teams were divided into four pots of six teams each, with China placed in Pot 3.

The Asian Cup will take place in Saudi Arabia from next January 7-February 5, marking the first time the country has hosted the tournament.

The competition format will feature six groups of four teams. The top two sides from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the round of 16 before the tournament moves into knockout matches.

A total of 23 teams have already secured qualification, with the final place to be decided in a playoff between Lebanon and Yemen on June 4 in Doha. 

The opening match will be held at King Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh, where hosts Saudi Arabia will face Palestine.

Defending champions Qatar has been drawn into a heavyweight Group F with four-time title winners Japan, as well as Thailand and Indonesia.

Elsewhere, the Republic of Korea headline Group E with the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam and the Lebanon-Yemen playoff winner, while Australia will meet Iraq, Tajikistan and Singapore in Group D.

Below are the full draw results:

Group A: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Palestine

Group B: Uzbekistan, Bahrain, DPRK, Jordan

Group C: Iran, Syria, Kyrgyzstan, China

Group D: Australia, Tajikistan, Iraq, Singapore

Group E: ROK, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Lebanon/Yemen

Group F: Japan, Qatar, Thailand, Indonesia