Japan defeated defending champion Saudi Arabia in the final match in Beirut.

The 12 qualifying teams were: Notes: Lebanon participated in the country's first ever football competition in the history as host, but began disappointingly, losing 0–4 to Iran.

Indonesia was the only team to not score a single goal in the tournament, being beaten by South Korea and China, and a goalless draw with Kuwait.

Group C witnessed Uzbekistan to become the worst-performed team in the tournament, being heavily beaten 1–8 by Japan and 0–5 by defending champions Saudi Arabia.

Qatar, another participant in the group, finished in third and progressed thanked for one point ahead of Thailand, having drawn in all three matches.

Subsequently, Japan, the winner, automatically qualified for the 2004 AFC Asian Cup.