Both teams arrived in Dubai and have planned several training sessions before their respective UAE 2019 matches.

The AFC and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) have organised several milestone campaigns over the past month to leverage on Asia’s crown jewel as a platform for social good, culminating with an invitation to the players from the Wild Boars Football Academy who have been given a rare chance to catch their Thai heroes in action when they take on India on Sunday.

Three Wild Boars players as well as their assistant coach, will see Thailand’s opening game against India at the Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Sunday at the invitation from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

There will also be a meet and greet for the group with their national heroes and they will receive a behind-the-scenes stadium tour before experiencing VIP access during what promises to be a decisive contest.

AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said: “The courage and perseverance of the 12 teenagers and their coach under extremely challenging conditions were a source of inspiration for millions of people across the world.

Bahrain enter the tournament in fine form thanks to several impressive results during their preparation for the tournament, and are looking to improve on their 2004 Continental outing when they finished fourth.

Despite the potentially daunting task of facing a UAE team backed by their vocal fans at the Zayed Sports City Stadium, Soukup is confident of his side’s prospects heading into their opening fixture.

Together with assistants and compatriots, Ahmad Moannes Al Roalle and Mohammad Mustafa Al Kalaf, he will lead the AFC’s largest-ever cast of 60 match officials of referees and assistant referees, including a trio from CONCACAF.

Makhadmeh has been a FIFA referee since 2013 and officiated in the first-leg of the 2017 AFC Champions League final between Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal and Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds.

With the Continental showpiece about to kick-off, we have collected all our preview content; group previews, venue guides, all-time XI, ones to watch, top ten lists and full squads are all ready, in one place for your enjoyment.

Four years ago in Australia, Massimo Luongo was the pick of the bunch as the Socceroo was voted the MVP, while a 20-year-old Sardar Azmoun was twice on the scoresheet for the Islamic Republic of Iran. As the 2019 edition rapidly approaches, here’s a list of 10 more youngsters to keep an eye out for.