The biennial Asian youth showpiece - the second largest AFC competition - will take place from October 3-17 at the officially recognised birthplace of football here in Shandong province.

Defending champions UAE, who clinched their first ever youth title in the last edition in 2008, were slotted with none other than perennial bridesmaids Japan in a tricky Group C that also has West Asians Jordan as well as Asean side Vietnam.

Hosts China will need to finish in the top-two from Group A, which comprises Thailand, Syria and two-time champions Saudi Arabia, for a place in the knockout stage.

Last edition’s runners-up Uzbekistan will have five-time champions Iraq, Bahrain and DPR Korea for company in Group B.

But D will stand for ‘death’ in this instalment after 11-time champions Korea Republic, last edition’s semi-finalists Australia and four-time winners Iran were thrown together along with Yemen.

The Koreans last laid their hands on the trophy in 2004 after lifting it in 2002. DPR Korea won the silverware in 2006 with a shock penalties win over Japan before UAE’s maiden success in 2008.

The matches will be played at the the Zibo Sports Complex Stadium and Linzi Stadium and the four semi-finalists will have spots booked for them at the FIFA U-20 World Cup next year in Colombia.

The groupings

Group A
A1. China
A2. Thailand
A3. Syria
A4. Saudi Arabia

Group B
B1. Uzbekistan
B2. Iraq
B3. Bahrain
B4. DPR Korea

Group C
C1. UAE
C2. Vietnam
C3. Jordan
C4. Japan

Group D
D1. Korea Republic
D2. Australia
D3. Yemen
D4. Iran