Asian Cup 2018 draw: everything you need to know

Tonight’s is the night the Westfield Matildas will learn their group stage opponents for next year’s AFC Women's Asian Cup in Jordan.

After a remarkable 2017, Alen Stajcic’s side are sure to start the tournament as one of the favourites to go all the way.

Here’s all you need to know ahead of  Saturday night’s draw.

WHICH OTHER NATIONS ARE INVOLVED?

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup is an eight-nation tournament.

The other seven countries joining Australia are hosts Jordan, defending champions Japan, China, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and Philippines.

WHAT GROUP COULD THE WESTFIELD MATILDAS BE IN?

Australia have been placed in Pot 2 for the draw with China, meaning those two nations cannot meet in the group stage.

The Westfield Matildas will then face one nation from each of the other three pots.

Jordan and Japan are in Pot 1, South Korea and Thailand are in Pot 3, while Vietnam and Philippines are in Pot 4.

Westfield Matildas celebrate a goal

HOW DOES THE TOURNAMENT WORK?

The Westfield Matildas will play each of their three group opponents once, with the top two in the group advancing to the semi-finals.

The winner of each group will play the runners up in their opposing group, with the two winners to meet in the tournament decider.

DID YOU KNOW?

Australia first appeared in the Asian Cup in 1975 in Hong Kong, finishing in third spot.