The Asian Football Confederation’s flagship event was originally due to be held in China from June 16 to July 16 this year, but COVID-19 complications precluded that and the tournament was shifted to Qatar.

Because of the summer temperatures in the Persian Gulf the tournament is now set to take place from January 12 to February 10 next year.

Today’s draw set Qatar and China in Group A alongside Tajikistan and Lebanon.

The opening match of the tournament is due to see hosts Qatar take on Lebanon at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, which is also due to host the final. 

Australia, many people’s favourites after their fine FIFA 2022 World Cup showing in Qatar have been put into Group B with Uzbekistan, India and Syria.

Australia won the 2015 tournament on home soil, but fell flat as defending champions in 2019, despite being second highest ranked among the competitors.

The Socceroos struggled in the group stages that tournament, losing to Jordan before needing a stoppage-time goal from Tom Rogic to secure automatic qualification to the knockout stages.

Australia only progressed past Uzbekistan in the round-of-16 on penalties, and lost 1-0 to United Arab Emirates in the quarter-finals.

Saudi Arabia, who earned a shock 2-1 victory over eventual winners Argentina at the FIFA 2022 World Cup, and who last won this tournament in 1996, are drawn in Group F with Thailand, the Kyrgyz Republic and Oman.

Japan, the four-times winners, who lost 3-1 to Qatar in the 2019 final staged in Abu Dhabi, are in Group D along with  Iraq, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Iran, winners of the trophy in 1968, 1972 and 1976, have been drawn in Group C with UAE, Hong Kong and Palestine.

South Korea, winners of the first two Asian Cups in 1956 and 1960, are in Group E with Malaysia, Jordan and Bahrain.

The top two teams from the six groups proceed to the knockout stages, while the four best third-placed teams also reach the knockouts. 

AFC President Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa claimed the successful hosting of the 2022 World Cup by Qatar meant this Asian Cup would be "a true spectacle never before experienced in Asian football history."

He added: "We have every faith that they will showcase their unrivalled hosting capabilities, state-of-the-art infrastructure and warm hospitality."

Six of the eight stadiums for the tournament hosted World Cup matches last year.

Only the 80,000-seat Lusail, which hosted the World Cup final, and the temporary Stadium 974 comprised partially of shipping containers, will not be in use.

Two smaller stadiums in Doha replace those two World Cup arenas.

At the draw the Local Organising Committee launched the competition’s official logo, which combines the silhouette of the AFC Asian Cup trophy with unique cultural elements that embody the competition’s spirit.

The lines of the trophy draw inspiration from the feathers of the majestic falcon, a bird with historical significance to the nation of Qatar, and the petals of Asia’s indigenous lotus flower.

The top of the logo is adorned with the iconic maroon, or ennabi, Qatar’s national colour.

The typography is inspired by Arabic calligraphy, paying homage to the nation’s language and calligraphy.