Syria, the 1994 champions, topped Group A with a maximum 12 points while Uzbekistan - who will be defending their title at China 2025 - were equally perfect in Group B.

Korea Republic, who have emerged champions a record 12 times, won Group C with 12 points and will be aiming for their first title since 2012.

Three-time champions Saudi Arabia took the Group D top spot ahead of Australia on goal difference, with the Young Socceroos also advancing as one of the best five second-placed teams.

DPR Korea, who were champions in 1976, 2006 and 2010, were the Group E winners while Indonesia, whose sole title was won in 1961, pipped Yemen to the Group F top spot, with the West Asian side also going through on the runners-up quota.

Islamic Republic of Iran, who will be seeking a fifth title, won Group G while Iraq, champions on five occasions and runners-up in the 2023 edition, topped Group H with Thailand - who lifted the trophy in 1962 and 1969 - joining them as one of the five best second-placed sides.

Japan, who have only emerged champions once, held off a spirited Kyrgyz Republic to top Group I on goal difference, with the Central Asian side also through after collecting seven points from three matches.

Qatar, the 2014 winners, defeated Jordan 3-2 to finish as the Group J winners, with their beaten opponents also advancing after a sterling qualifying campaign.

Hosts China PR lifted the trophy in 1985, making it a total 12 former champions among the cast of 16 teams.

Hosts: China PR (Hosts)

Group winners: Syria (Group A), Uzbekistan (Group B), Korea Republic (Group C), Saudi Arabia (Group D), DPR Korea (Group E), Indonesia (Group F), IR Iran (Group G), Iraq (Group H), Japan (Group I), Qatar (Group J).

Best Runners-up: Yemen (Group F), Kyrgyz Republic (Group I), Australia (Group D), Thailand (Group H), Jordan (Group J)