Holders Spain must travel to Canada in their opening match of the 2013 Davis Cup.
Top seeds Spain, who will play the Czech Republic in this year's final in November, were drawn away in Wednesday's World Group draw in London.
The Canadians boast the big-serving Milos Raonic in their ranks and seem likely too choose a fast surface to negate Spain's claycourt skills.
Meanwhile, the Czechs will also be on the road - they face a tricky trip to Switzerland where Roger Federer could well be in opposition.
The Czech Republic are seeded to face Argentina in the semi-finals - as they did this year. The Argentines host Germany first up. The winners of that will play France or Israel.
The other tie in the bottom half looks the weakest of the first round. It sees Kazakhstan entertain Austria.
Back in the top half, Spain will play either Italy or Croatia in round two if they progress.
The Spanish are seeded to face Novak Djokovic's Serbia in the last four. The Serbs start away in Belgium and will play the winners of USA v Brazil if they emerge victorious.
All the first-round ties are scheduled to take place from February 1-3 - less than a week after the conclusion of the Australian Open.
Full World Group draw:
Canada v Spain
Italy v Croatia
Belgium v Serbia
USA v Brazil
France v Israel
Argentina v Germany
Kazakhstan v Austria
Switzerland v Czech Republic
