Philippines Football League champion Kaya FC-Iloilo will lock horns with University Athletic Association of the Philippines Far Eastern University as the groupings for the 2023 Copa Paulino Alcantara was released Saturday for its 15 July opening.

Kaya and FEU are seeded in Group A along with Inter Manila FC, Loyola FC, Don Bosco Garelli FC and the Philippine Air Force.

Joining Group B are PFL runner-up Dynamic Cebu FC, Maharlika FC, Pilipinas Dragons FC, Manila Digger FC and University of the Philippines.

Stallion Laguna FC headlines Group C which also features Mendiola FC 1991, Davao Aguilas-UMak, Tuloy FC, Adamson University and Philippine Army.

All teams will play in a single round-robin with the top two teams per group and the two best third placers per group advancing to the knockout quarterfinal.

The semifinals will be a two-legged series with the winners advancing to the championship match while the losing teams will be relegated to the bronze medal match.

The Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, The University of Makati Football Field and the Biñan Football Stadium will be the venues.

A new Copa champion will be crowned as defending champion United City FC won't be playing this year due to financial problems.