The 12 Asian hopefuls will identify their AFC U-20 Futsal Championship IR Iran 2019 group rivals in Thursday’s official draw. Here are some key facts to note.

The official draw will take place on Thursday (April 11) at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at 15:30 (GMT+8).

Important facts

Instead of 21 teams as in the inaugural AFC U-20 Futsal Championship two years ago, the second edition will feature 12 sides who earned their spots after battling through the Qualifiers last December.

The tournament will be hosted by 2017 winners Islamic Republic of Iran from June 14 to 22, and the reigning champions were as impressive as their senior colleagues, powering through the Central Zone Qualifiers to claim top spot in Group A.

The 12 teams will be divided into four groups of three teams, with the group winners and runners-up advancing to the quarter-finals.

Who are the teams?

Host: Islamic Republic of Iran

Central Zone: Kyrgyz Republic, Afghanistan, Tajikistan

West Zone: Lebanon, Iraq

East Zone: Japan, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong

ASEAN Zone: Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia

Of the 12 teams, Hong Kong will be making their debut in the tournament after Saudi Arabia’s withdrawal.