DUBAI — Defending champion Australia will renew its rivalry with Syria at the Asian Cup Finals after being drawn alongside the Middle Eastern nation Friday for next year's tournament.

The two nations faced off in a tense World Cup playoff in September, with the Australians narrowly advancing, and both will also meet Palestine and Jordan in Group B at the 2019 event.

Host, the United Arab Emirates, coached by Alberto Zaccheroni, was drawn to take on Thailand, India and Bahrain in Group A while four-time champion Japan play Uzbekistan, Oman and Turkmenistan in Group F.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have been drawn in Group E with Lebanon and North Korea. Group D features Iran, Iraq, Vietnam and Yemen while South Korea takes on China, Kyrgyzstan and the Philippines in Group C.

The Asian Football Confederation has introduced a prize fund of $15 million for the tournament, with the champion picking up $5 million and the runner-up earning $3 million.

The Finals will kick off on Jan. 5 with the final to be played in Abu Dhabi on Feb. 1.

The draw:

GROUP A —

United Arab Emirates, Thailand, India, Bahrain.

GROUP B — Australia, Syria, Palestine, Jordan.

GROUP C — South Korea, China, Kyrgyzstan, Philippines.

GROUP D — Iran, Iraq, Vietnam, Yemen.

GROUP E — Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Lebanon, North Korea.

GROUP F — Japan, Uzbekistan, Oman, Turkmenistan. — Reuters