The final update, issued a day before the official ceremony on Île Seguin in the western suburbs of Paris, made few changes to the existing world order, but confirmed the Matildas as part of Pot 1, which features the world's top six teams.

Alen Stajcic's squad, Asia's highest ranked side in sixth, will join the United States, Germany, England, Canada and host nation France as seeded teams in the draw, dramatically decreasing their prospects of being placed in a 'group of death'.

It may seem difficult to believe, but it is now seven years since a golden generation of Japanese players led by Homare Sawa became world champions by beating the United States on penalties in Germany.

World Cup-winning head coach Norio Sasaki then led Japan to a first ever AFC Women's Asian Cup title in 2014, and another World Cup final the following year, but a failed attempt to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics was the catalyst for the Nadeshiko's new generation to take their chance.

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.

Alen Stajcic’s charges will return to the United States of America (USA) in April 2019 for an international friendly against hosts USA at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado.

Australia and the USA – who will both feature at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France – have played 28 international matches since their first meeting in 1987, and last met at this year’s Tournament of Nations at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in Connecticut in July.

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)