[2] These matches also served as the first stage of the AFC qualifiers for the 2020 Summer Olympics men's football tournament in Japan.

Of the 47 AFC member associations, a total of 44 teams entered the competition.

The draw was held on 7 November 2018, 15:00 MYT (UTC+8), at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The following restrictions were also applied:[5] Players born on or after 1 January 1997 are eligible to compete in the tournament.

The eleven group winners and the four best runners-up qualify for the final tournament.