The draw for the AFC first group phase of qualifiers for Brazil 2014 resulted in many groups that are wide open. In Group C, Japan and Korea DPR, who both qualified for the last Men’s World Cup, are joined together and are also tested by Uzbekistan. Australia will face difficult tests from Saudi Arabia and Oman in Group D, whilst in Group E, any of Iran, Qatar, or Bahrain could end up qualifying. Two teams from each group advance to the second group phase, where there are four and one half qualifying places on offer.
• Group A: China PR, Jordan, Iraq, Singapore
• Group B: Korea Rep, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Lebanon
• Group C: Japan, Uzbekistan, Syria, Korea DPR
• Group D: Australia, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Thailand
• Group E: Iran, Qatar, Bahrain, Indonesia