AFC U23 Asian Cup:
Iran to play Uzbekistan, South Korea, Lebanon in group stage
Iran was drawn against Uzbekistan, South Korea, and Lebanon in Group C of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup – starting January 6 in Saudi Arabia.
The draw for the seventh edition of the competition took place at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, where 16 teams were divided into four groups.
Iran will begin its campaign against 2020 champion South Korea in Riyadh’s Al Shabab Club Stadium on January 7, before taking on Uzbekistan — champion in 2018 and runner-up in the previous two editions — three days later at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium three days later.
The final round of the group fixtures will see Iran play Lebanon on January 13.
In other groups, host and 2022 champion Saudi Arabia will have 2018 runner-up Vietnam, Jordan and debutant Kyrgyz Republic for company in Group A.
Two-time and defending champion Japan will have to contend with Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Syria in Group B.
Group D top seed and 2013 champion Iraq will have to face the challenge of Australia, Thailand and China.
The top two teams in each group will progress to the last-eight round.
Iran will return to the finals for the first time since 2022, thanks to a top-spot finish in the qualification group — also featuring host UAE, Hong Kong, and Guam — in September.
Iran defeated Hong Kong (4-0) and Guam (6-0) before a 3-2 victory over the UAE secured a perfect qualification record for Omid Ravankhah’s men.