After two years of qualifiers and competitions, domestic camps and international friendlies, Morgan has settled on the Joeys’ squad for the 24-nation tournament to be held in Brazil between October 26 and November 17.

This edition will mark Australia’s 13th participation at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, and the Joeys will contest Group B alongside Ecuador, Hungary, and Nigeria.

Twelve Asian officials have been appointed for the tournament, with the contingent led by referees Khamis Al Marri from Qatar, Australia's Chris Beath and China PR's Ma Ning.

Japan, who defeated Tajikistan to lift the 2018 AFC U-16 Championship title in Kuala Lumpur, will fancy their chances of advancing to the knockout stage in their ninth appearance in the Finals.

Tajikistan, meanwhile, were drawn in Group E with Spain, Argentina and Cameroon and the Central Asians - who will be making their second appearance in the Finals - will be eager to test themselves after their fabulous run in the 2018 AFC U-16 Championship.

Japan powered their way to the 2018 title, making them the most successful team in the continental competition with three championships to their name.

The young Samurai Blue also have the most top four finishes - nine in total, previously having won the title in 1994 and 2006.

Tajikistan’s young stars met the country's President Emomali Rahmon on Thursday, who congratulated and thanked every member of the squad for their hard work on the Continental stage.

President Rahmon has allocated 660,000 Tajikistani Somoni to the Tajikistan youth team, and all 33 members of the U-16 national team were rewarded with 20,000 Tajikistani Somoni.

Jun Nishikawa's 63rd minute strike secured Japan a record third AFC U-16 Championship title as Yoshiro Moriyama's side overcame a steely Tajikistan.

Both sides opted for a cautious approach in the opening minutes but Japan, who made four changes to the lineup that had started in the semi-final against Australia, slowly gained the upperhand with Nishikawa on the left flank sending crosses into the box.

Tajikistan, who were camped mostly in their own half, depended on counter attacks and Rustam Soirov had a glimpse at goal in the 10th minute when he made his way past two defenders but shot wide.

Their Malaysia 2018 campaign may have been ended by the 3-1 defeat to Japan in the semi-finals on Thursday but this, said Morgan, is just the start of their journey to the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru. 

“For us, the challenge before we go to the World Cup is to solve what happens next,” said Morgan at the post-match press conference on Thursday. 

“To be fitter, to be smarter with our decision making and bettering all of our quality. It was a good lesson for us.”