Iraq will play host to Group A while the Group B qualifiers will be played in Kuwait. Nepal will host Group D while Laos will host Group F games.

Matches of groups without hosts will be organised in a neutral venue and AFC has asked the participating teams of the respective groups to express their interest to host, if they wish, by April 27.

If none of the countries come forward with an intention to host the qualifying groups, matches of Group C, E and G will be played at a neutral venue.

THE GROUPINGS

Group A: Iraq (host), Iran, Bangladesh, Qatar, Palestine, Sri Lanka
Group B: UAE, Kuwait (host), Yemen, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Maldives
Group C: Uzbekistan (host), Tajikistan, Bahrain, Kyrgyzstan, India
Group D: Syria, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Nepal (host), Lebanon
Group E: DPR Korea, China, Timor Leste, Singapore, Malaysia, Macau
Group F: Japan, Vietnam, Chinese Taipei, Laos (host), Korea Republic, Cambodia
Group G: Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Guam