The 2016 runners-up Naft Al Wasat from Iraq will open the tournament in an thrilling Group B contest against three-time semi-finalists Al Rayyan Sport Club, from Qatar, at 12 noon local time.

All eyes will be on the day’s final match when host side, Port Futsal Club, mark their nine-year return to this competition when they battle debutants Star FS Seoul from Korea Republic in Group A at 7:30pm.

It promises to be a thrilling competition and the-AFC.com previews the Group A challenge which will feature home team Port Futsal, who will be making a comeback to the tournament, debutants Star FS Seoul, Shenzhen Nanling Tielang and FC EREM.

Vietnamese powerhouse Thai Son Nam, last year's runners-up, will be facing a stiff challenge in Group B against Iraq's Naft Al Wasat, Qatar's Al Rayyan Sports Club and AGMK FC of Uzbekistan.

Lebanon's Bank of Beirut, bronze medallists in 2018, will be ready when they begin their Group C campaign alongside Vamos FC of Indonesia, newcomers Soro Company of Tajikistan and Myanmar's Victoria University College.

Reigning champions Mes Sungun Varzeqan are primed to defend their title in Bangkok but will have to navigate past three-time champions Nagoya Oceans of Japan, United Arab Emirates' Al Dhafra Sports & Cultural Club and debutants Kazma SC of Kuwait in Group D.

With less than a week to go before the tournament begins at the Bangkok Arena on August 7, the-AFC.com takes a trip down memory lane as we look at the winners of the previous nine editions of the AFC Futsal Club Championship.

To mark its commemorative milestone, the-AFC.com celebrates the remarkable progress of club futsal in Asia.

Over the years, there were many classic encounters which saw entertaining draws or a shock result, here’s our pick of the top five.