The championship, previously known as AFC Youth Championship, will take place in the UAE from November 3 to 17.

Defending champions DPR Korea, who defeated Australia in the thrilling final 3-2 to win the title in 2010, are pooled against Vietnam, Jordan and Uzbekistan in Group C. Likewise, 2006 champions Saudi Arabia are in Group D alongside with Australia, Syria and Qatar.

Korea Republic, China, Thailand and Iraq made up Group B as host UAE will take on Kuwait in the curtain raiser on November 3.

The top four teams of the championship will qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2013 to be held in Turkey.

AFC National Team Competitions Director Shin Man-gil (pic) conducted the official draw. The 16 finalists have been classified on the basis of the final rankings of the AFC U-19 Championship 2010.

After the group stage on November 3-8, the top two teams from each group (eight teams in total) will qualify for the quarterfinals (November 11) and the four winners of the quarterfinals will play in the semi-finals (November 14) and the winners advance to the final (November 17).

Group A
UAE
Japan
Iran
Kuwait

Group B
Korea Republic
China PR
Thailand
Iraq

Group C
DPR Korea
Uzbekistan
Vietnam
Jordan

Group D
Australia
Saudi Arabia
Syria
Qatar