(CNN) The matchups for the first 2020 Democratic presidential debate were announced by NBC News on Friday.

The June debate will feature the first high-profile clashes of the party's nominating process, giving the 20 qualifying candidates an opportunity to define themselves -- and their opponents -- in front of a national audience.

Biden, Sanders, Harris and Buttigieg -- four of the top five candidates in the race, according to polling -- are on the same stage, setting up a scenario where the Thursday night debate could receive outsized attention. Warren is the lone member of the top five on the Wednesday night debate.

Biden and Sanders have also drawn the most fire from the other Democrats running for President, making it likely that the Thursday night debate could see the most fireworks. Hickenlooper has already attacked Sanders on socialism and a host of Democratic opponents have carefully knocked Biden.

According to NBC, the media sponsor for the first debate, a representative from NBC News Standards & Practices conducted the drawing.

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