Thailand will face 2013 champions Iraq, Australia, and China in Group D after the draw for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 took place yesterday in Kuala Lumpur.
First-time hosts Saudi Arabia, who have automatically qualified for the finals, are joined by 15 teams from the qualifying competition.
The 16 teams were divided into four groups for the seventh edition of the tournament, which is scheduled to be held from Jan 6-24, 2026.
Saudi Arabia, the 2022 champions, will play 2018 runners-up Vietnam, Jordan and Kyrgyzstan in Group A.
Defending champions Japan will have to contend with 2024 hosts Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Syria in Group B.
The 2018 champions Uzbekistan are in Group C with the 2020 champions South Korea, Iran and finals debutants Lebanon.
The top two teams of each group will progress to the knockout stage.