Kuwait city: Qatar are set to face Oman on Friday, in the opening match of their campaign at the 22nd Asian Men's Handball Championship, which is being held in Kuwait from January 15 to 26. The tournament serves as a qualifier for the 2027 IHF Men's World Championship in Germany. According to Qatar News Agency, the draw placed Qatar in Group A alongside South Korea and Oman, while Group B includes Bahrain, Iraq, China, and Jordan. Group C comprises Kuwait, the UAE, Hong Kong, and India, while Group D features Japan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Australia. The top two teams from each group will advance to the main round, which will feature eight teams divided into two groups competing in a round-robin format. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals, in addition to securing direct qualification for the 2027 World Championship. Qatar are aiming to defend the Asian title they have won in the past six consecutive editions and to qualify for the World Championship for the 11th time in their history. Their best-ever result at the World Championship remains a runner-up finish at the Qatar 2015 edition. Qatar were crowned champions of the 21st edition of the Asian Men's Handball Championship, held in Bahrain last year, after defeating Japan 30-24 in the final.