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U.S., Mexico learn group stage opponents for Under-17 World Cup

The United States will face hosts India, Colombia and Ghana in Group A of the 2017 Under 17 World Cup, after the draw was held for the October tournament in Dubai on Friday night.

U.S. CONCACAF rivals Mexico are in Group F alongside Iraq, Chile and England, while Spain and Brazil were drawn together in Group D.

The 24 teams include former title winners France and Mexico, current senior world champions Germany, England, who recently won the Under-20 World Cup, and first-time qualifiers New Caledonia.

Group A: India, USA, Colombia, Ghana

Group B: Paraguay, Mali, New Zealand, Turkey

Group C: Iran, Germany, Costa Rica, Guinea

Group D: North Korea, Brazil, Spain, Niger

Group E: Honduras, Japan, New Caledonia, France

Group F: Iraq, Mexico, Chile, England

The United States' first match, played in New Delhi, will be against India, with the draw fulfilling a wish expressed by U.S.S.F. president Sunil Gulati, who has roots in India, that the two teams play in the tournament.

Another highly anticipated group match is an Oct. 7 pairing between Brazil and Spain that will be played in Kochi.

The U17 World Cup represents the first-ever FIFA tournament in India, and will be held in six cities from Oct. 6-28. India are looking to host the Under-20 World Cup in two years' time and hope this tournament helps that bid.

The draw was conducted by several sporting stars, including India's football captain Sunil Chhetri, former Arsenal footballer Nwankwo Kanu -- a winner of this tournament with Nigeria -- and Argentine Esteban Cambiasso.