The defending champions, who have won four consecutive Paralympic titles and three successive world titles, will compete in Group D at the tournament in the Spanish city.

Brazil will open their campaign against Mali on June 8, the day after the competition begins.

African champions Morocco will take on Spain, Turkey and Thailand in Group A, while Copa America winners Argentina, France, Colombia and Iran make up Group B.

European gold medallists Russia, who will participate as neutrals unless the suspension of the country's Paralympic Committee is lifted before the tournament begins owing to the nation's doping scandal, Mexico, South Korea and Asian title holders China comprise Group C.

The draw for the event, which concludes with the final on June 17, was conducted by IBSA Blind Football chairperson Ulrich Pfisterer and Angel Luis Gomez, President of the Spanish Federation for Blind Sports, in Madrid today.

They were joined by a series of dignitaries and players, past and present, from Spanish football and sport.

The competition will be the largest edition in history as 16 teams will battle it out for the world title.

The top two teams in each group will progress to the quarter-finals, beginning on June 13.

All 44 matches are due to be held at the 400-capacity Colegio Sagrado Corazon, while entry will be free for all spectators.