The reigning champions, who defeated France to lift the title in Brazil two years ago, are drawn alongside Spain in Group C, with Poland, Angola, Spain, Argentina and Paraguay making up the other spots for the group that will be played out in the city of Zrenjanin.

The host nation Serbia will play their Group B matches in Nis along with Denmark, who finished fourth in 2011, Brazil, Japan, China and Algeria, whilst previous runners-up France will play their Group A matches in capital city Belgrade alongside Montenegro, the Netherlands, South Korea, the Dominican Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Concluding the draw in Group D are Germany, Hungary, Romania, Czech Republic, Tunisia and Australia, who will play their games in Novi Sad.

The preliminary matches are due to take place from December 6 to December 13, opening with Serbia against Japan in Nis, leading up to the showpiece final at Combank Arena in Belgrade on December 22.

Click here for the complete match schedule.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]