Japan
Previous appearances: 11
Best placing: Champions (6 times)
2024 result: Runners-up
How they got there: Winners of Qualifiers Group F
Group C fixtures - April 2: v India; April 5: v Chinese Taipei; April 8: v Australia
Fun fact: Japan won three consecutive titles before losing to DPR Korea in the final of the 2024 edition

Japan will be determined to regain their place at the top of the pile after relinquishing the title two years ago. They impressed in the Qualifiers, scoring a staggering 32 goals in three matches and conceding none.

Australia
Previous appearances: 9
Best placing: Semi-finalists
2024 result: Semi-finalists
How they got there: Winners of Qualifiers Group C
Group C fixtures - April 2: v Chinese Taipei; April 5: v India; April 8: v Japan
Fun fact: Australia have not missed a single edition of the Finals since becoming an AFC member

After three consecutive semi-final finishes, Australia will feel they have the arsenal to go all the way, especially after an impressive qualifying campaign which saw them winning all three group matches.

Chinese Taipei
Previous appearances: 5
Best placing: Runners-up (2002)
2024 result: Group Stage
How they got there: One of three best second-placed teams (Group C)
Group C fixtures - April 2: v Australia; April 5: v Japan; April 8: v India
Fun fact: Chinese Taipei will be making back-to-back appearances after having missed the previous five editions

Japan will be the obvious favourites but Chinese Taipei will fancy their chances of advancing, with Australia being familiar foes as the sides clashed in the Qualifiers.

India
Previous appearances: 3
Best placing: Quarter-finals (2004)
2024 result: Did not qualify
How they got there: Winners of Qualifiers Group D
Group C fixtures - April 2: v Japan; April 5: v Australia; April 8: v Chinese Taipei
Fun fact: India will be featuring in the Finals for the first time since 2006

India will accept that they are in for a tough challenge but it will be one that they will relish as they make a return to the continental stage after a long absence.