Japan have been drawn alongside England, Scotland and Argentina in Group D of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2019 and will open their campaign against the South Americans, after the draw based on world rankings took place Saturday.

One of 24 participating teams, including hosts France and eight European qualifiers, world No. 8 Japan were handed a favorable opening-game opponent -- Argentina are ranked 36th in the world -- as they begin their quest for their second World Cup title, having won the 2011 edition.

[FIFA/Getty/Kyodo]

After their opening match on June 10, Asako Takakura's side -- runners-up at the last World Cup in 2015 -- will meet Scotland on June 14 and England on June 19. France will open the finals against South Korea on June 7.

"There isn't going to be an easy match, but if we play well in the opener the team can build off that momentum," Takakura said.

"I'm hoping we can book a spot (in the round of 16) before the third match, but all we do is take one game at a time," she said.

In the June 7-July 7 competition, there will be six groups of four teams with the top two from each group plus the four best third-placed teams progressing to the knockout phase.