The 2002 semi-finalists have been drawn in Group B, along with North Korea, UAE, Iran and Saudi Arabia, of the final stage of qualification which kicks off in September.

Huh Jung-moo’s men start with an away match against North Korea but four days before they are due to hosts UAE on October 15, they will warm-up against an Uzbekistan team that will be en route to Japan.

Five days before a tricky tie in Saudi Arabia on November 19, Korea will visit the city of Doha to take on Group A team Qatar.

Korea are looking to qualify for a seventh successive World Cup.