Iran, who hasn’t had a coach since the 2010 Asian Games, will face Kyrgyzstan in the competitions’ opener at the Azadi Stadium at 15:00 (local time).
Iran has qualified for the Olympic Games in the past three times, in 1964, 1972 and 1976.
All second leg matches have been scheduled for March 9, with the exception of the return fixture between Sri Lanka and the UAE which takes place two days later at the same venue as the first leg.
The 11 winners will join the 13 highest ranked teams in the second round where they will again play in a home-and-away format on June 19 and June 23.
Chaiya Mahapab from Thailand has been appointed to officiate the match.