TEHRANTIMES - Iran has been drawn in Group D of the 2013 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup qualifiers.

The competition will take place at the Katara Beach in Doha, Qatar from January 22 to 26.

Iran will play China in its opening match on January 22. The Persians will face Iraq on January 24.

A total of 13 teams divided into three groups of three and one group of four teams.

The three Asian teams from the qualifying event in Doha will advance to the finals which will be held in Tahiti in September 2013.

The top sides in each group in Doha will qualify for the semi-finals.

The two finalists will secure berths at the finals in Tahiti while the third spot will be given to the winner of the 3rd-4th place play-off winner.

Groups
Group A: Qatar, Oman, Australia
Group B: Japan, Bahrain, Lebanon
Group C: United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia
Group D: Iran, China, Iraq