The Asian Games will officially open on November 12 but the football event will kick off on November 7 and conclude on November 25.
Qatar, who defeated Iraq 1-0 in the final of the last edition of the Asian Games held in their own backyard, were placed in Group D alongside Kuwait, India and Singapore in the draw held on Thursday.
Hosts China were slotted in Group A alongwith Malaysia, Kyrgyzstan and Japan, while Thailand, Maldives, Oman and Pakistan are in Group F.
Group B includes Iran, Vietnam, Bahrain and Turkmenistan while Group C comprise of Korea Republic, Palestine, Jordan and DPR Korea.
Uzbekistan, UAE, Hong Kong and Bangladesh form Group E.
The top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed teams will qualify for the Round of 16.
Seven teams will compete for the laurels in the women’s event with defending champions DPR Korea facing last edition’s runners-up Japan and Thailand in Group B while China, Korea Republic, Vietnam and Jordan form Group A.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals. The women’s event will be played from November 14 to 23.
The football events will be played in seven venues - Ying Dong Stadium, Huadu Stadium, Huangpu Stadium, Yuexiu Stadium, Guangdong People’s Stadium, Huagdong Stadium and Tianhe Stadium.
THE GROUPINGS
Group A: China, Malaysia, Kyrgyzstan, Japan
Group B: Iran, Vietnam, Bahrain, Turkmenistan
Group C: Korea Republic, Palestine, Jordan, DPR Korea
Group D: Qatar, Kuwait, India, Singapore
Group E: Uzbekistan, UAE, Hong Kong, Bangladesh
Group F: Thailand, Maldives, Oman, Pakistan