In the draw held at the MNC Conference Hall in Jakarta, Indonesia, 16 teams were divided into four groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarterfinals.
The host nation, Indonesia, is placed in Group A along with Iraq, Kyrgyzstan and South Korea, and is hoping to advance to the final round with the support of their fans.
Last year’s runner-up Thailand will be placed in Group B with Vietnam, Kuwait and Lebanon.
Four-time champions Japan would be excluded from Group C by four-time runners-up Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Australia.
Iran, with a record 13 wins, tops Group D, with challengers being Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia.
Lottery results
Group A: Indonesia, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, South Korea
Group B: Thailand, Vietnam, Kuwait, Lebanon
Group C: Japan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Australia
Group D: Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia
MNA/TSN