Asian sides learn FIFA U-20 World Cup opponents

AFC – SUWON, Asian sides learned their FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017 opponents on Wednesday following the tournament’s official draw in Suwon.

Asia will have five teams flying the continent’s flag at the global extravaganza – Japan, Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Vietnam who all qualified thanks to their top four finishes at last year’s AFC U-19 Championship, while Korea Republic will appear as hosts.

Korea Republic will meet Guinea, who return after a 38-year absence from the tournament, six-time FIFA U-20 champions Argentina, as well as England in Group A.

In Group C, Iran will come up against African champions Zambia, Portugal and Costa Rica, who have qualified nine times.

Reigning 2016 AFC U-19 champions Japan will face South Africa, Italy and CONMEBOL champions Uruguay in Group D.

Vietnam will have their work out to progess from Group E where they have France, Honduras and recently crowned Oceania Football Confederation champions New Zealand for company.

Meanwhile, AFC U-19 Championship runners-up Saudi Arabia are grouped with Ecuador, USA who will be making their maiden appearance, and Senegal in Group F.

The competition is set to get underway on May 20.

FIFA U-20 World Cup groups

Group A
A1 Korea Republic, A2 Guinea, A3 Argentina, A4 England

Group B:
B1 Venezuela, B2 Germany, B3 Vanuatu, B4 Mexico

Group C:
C1 Zambia, C2 Portugal, C3 IR Iran, C4 Costa Rica

Group D:
D1 South Africa, D2 Japan, D3 Italy, D4 Uruguay

Group E:
E1 France, E2 Honduras , E3 Vietnam, E4 New Zealand

Group F:
F1 Ecuador, F2 USA , F3 Saudi Arabia, F4 Senegal

Photo: FIFA.com