The Vietnamese side will face off against Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan, Taichung Blue Whale of Taiwan (China), and the winner of a play-off stage.

The AFC recently confirmed that as many as 22 clubs will take part in qualification for the tournament's inaugural season.

Clubs from the top eight member associations, including Ho Chi Minh City 1 as ranked according to FIFA, will qualify directly into the group stage, which comprises of three groups of four teams competing in a centralised league format from October 6 to October 12.

The remaining 14 clubs will then have to make it through the preliminary stage which will feature four groups, two groups of four teams and two groups of three sides. They will be played in a centralised league format between August 25 and August 31, with the four group winners ultimately qualifying.

Vietnam will host the group stage of the tournament, which will be held at the Thong Nhat Stadium in August.

Every club participating in the group stage will receive a minimum of US$100,000, with additional money being available depending on their eventual placings. This means that the first-ever champions of the prestigious tournament can expect to be rewarded with at least US$1.3 million.