Semi-finalists in 1995, and runners-up four years later, China PR were once among the teams to avoid in a Women's World Cup draw, but the Steel Roses are now considered to be among the global game's second-tier nations.

But, while progression beyond the quarter-finals has eluded the national team since 1999, the current generation of Chinese players have shown signs of genuine improvement, particularly since the arrival of Jia as head coach in May.

A breakout star and creative force in AFC Women's Player of the Year Wang Shuang, a miserly defence which has conceded just twice in 12 matches since August, and consistent goals from Wang Shanshan and Li Ying have all contributed to a steady rise in form and confidence.

Their current world ranking of 15th may suggest otherwise, but China PR remains a team many should hope to steer clear of when the draw is made on Saturday.

For the first time in their history, sixth-ranked Australia are expecting to be among the seeded teams when the official draw pots are revealed on Friday, with Alen Stajcic's charges hoping they can avoid the type of 'group of death' they have endured in a number of recent major tournaments.

Their rise to become one of the world's top half-dozen sides has included memorable scalps - none more so than the historic 2017 win over defending World Champions the United States - and has seen Sam Kerr emerge as one of the world's best players.

The Chaba Kaew experienced a mixed bag in Canada three years ago, enduring heavy defeats to former world champions Germany and Norway before earning a historic maiden World Cup win against Ivory Coast, and their recent fortunes suggest they remain a team capable of the good, bad and ugly.

At the heart of head coach Nuengrutai Srathongvian's outfit is an experienced core featuring the likes of Sunisa Srangthaisong, Kanjana Sung-Ngoen and Duangnapa Sritala, but the AFC Women's Asian Cup provided the platform for a number of younger players to emerge.

US-raised 21-year-old Suchawadee Nildhamrong adds the ability to hold the ball up and bring teammates into the game as a central striker, while Silawan Intamee, 24, produced a series of strong displays in midfield in 2018.

Referees

Kate Jacewicz (Australia), Casey Reibelt (Australia), Qin Liang (China PR), Yoshimi Yamashita (Japan) and Ri Hyang-ok (DPR Korea)

Assistant Referees
Cui Yong Mei (China PR), Fang Yan (China PR), Hong Kum-nyo (DPR Korea), Makoto Bazono (Japan), Maiko Hagio (Japan), Naomi Teshirogi (Japan), Kim Kyoung-min (Korea Republic) and Lee Seul-gi (Korea Republic)

Having earned their first ever FIFA Women's World Cup win en route to a maiden knockout stage appearance in Canada three years ago, Korea Republic have now qualified for successive World Cups for the first time.

They will return to the global stage with a relative wealth of experience. The nine most capped players in the team's history are all still active, and team leaders like Cho So-hyun and Ji So-yun have broken the 100-game barrier despite being aged just 30 and 27 respectively.

Cho and Ji are the team's key duo, but Lee Min-a - the 2017 Korean Player of the Year now plying her trade in Japan - also enjoyed a terrific AFC Women's Asian Cup Jordan 2018, contributing three memorable goals.

New Zealand became the 24th and final nation to seal their ticket to the global Finals after they defeated Fiji 8-0 to lift the OFC Women's Nations Cup on Saturday.

They are joined by Cameroon, who defeated Mali 4-2 on Friday to secure qualification with a third place finish at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.

Crowned the AFC Women's Player of the Year 2018 on Wednesday, Wang Shuang said the award has motivated her to aim higher.

"This is just the beginning. I am highly motivated after winning the AFC Player of the Year award.

"There is still so much to do and I will take it step-by-step," said Wang Shuang upon returning to her club Paris St Germain.