Sixteen sides will compete, led by South Korea, who will be targeting a 10th Olympic appearence and an improvement on their London 2012 bronze medal.

They will clash with Iraq, winners of the inaugural under 23 continental event in Oman in 2014, in Group C, alongside Uzbekistan and minnows Yemen.

Japan, beaten 2-0 by South Korea in the bronze medal match at London 2012, will be seeking to lead the way in Group B against 2014 runners-up Saudi Arabia, North Korea and Thailand.

United Arab Emirates, the third Asian team to feature at London 2012, where they exited in the group stage, will play in Group D alongside Jordan, Vietnam and Australia, a member of the AFC since 2006.

Hosts Qatar will take on Syria, Iran and China in Group A.

The event, set to conclude with the final January 30, comes at a time of conflict across the world's largest continent.

This escalated late last month after the execution of 47 prisoners, including prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, in Saudi Arabia.

It has led to increased tension between the Saudi Arabia and their regional rivals Iran, which is impacting ongoing conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

The testing of a hydrogen bomb in North Korea last week has also caused more friction on the Korean peninsula.

Although only under 23 players will feature in Qatar, three over-aged players would be permitted in Rio.

Twelve teams have already qualified for the 16-team Olympic event.

As well as hosts Brazil, these consist of Algeria, Argentina, Denmark, Fiji, Germany, Honduras, Portugal, Nigeria and South Africa. 

They join London 2012 winners Mexico,