Iran U23 vs North Korea U23 Asian Games Preview
Iran face North Korea in their final Group B match in the football event at the 2026 Asian Games, with a place in the knockout stage up for grabs.
The Iranians are having a solid tournament and should get the better of their rivals, who are unconvincing at the moment.
Key Stats
- Iran U23 are unbeaten in their two Group B matches.
- Iran U23 are unbeaten in five of their last six matches in all competitions.
- North Korea U23 are winless in their two Group B matches.
- North Korea are winless in five of their last six matches in all competitions.
One Previous Meeting
There has been one previous meeting between both teams, with Iran claiming a 3-0 victory during the 2018 Asian Games.
Iran Eying the Quarter-Finals
Iran were held to a 0-0 draw by China in their previous Group B fixture. They were the better side throughout the contest and created multiple scoring opportunities but were wasteful in front of goal.
Team Omid are unbeaten in the tournament, having begun their campaign with a 3-1 victory over United Arab Emirates. They are currently top of the table and can finish as Group winners with a win on Wednesday.
Beyond the Asian Games, Iran’s overall form has been pretty solid lately. Hossein Abdi's team are unbeaten in five of their last six matches in all competitions.
North Korea Seeking Their Spark
North Korea are also coming off a 0-0 draw as they were held by the United Arab Emirates in their previous fixture. They looked to play on the front foot but were wasteful with the chances created.
The result leaves North Korea without a win after suffering a 2-1 defeat to China in their opening fixture. However, they are still in the mix to progress and will earn a place in the quarter-finals if results go their way on Wednesday.
One of the problems for North Korea is that their overall form has been unconvincing lately. They have picked up just one win from their last six matches in all competitions.
Team News & Predicted Line-ups
Iran (4-3-3): Mohammad Khalifeh; Amin Hazbavi, Mohammad Koohi, Farzin Moamelegari, Masoud Mohebi; Farhan Jafari, Pouria Latififar, Mobin Dehghan; Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh, Pouria Shahrabadi, Yousef Mazraeh.
Abbas Kahrizi went off injured in the first half against China and is likely to miss Wednesday's clash. Amirhossein Hosseinzadeh could earn a start in this one while Yousef Mazraeh should continue in attack.
North Korea (3-4-3): Kang Ju-hyeok, Kim Yu-song, Jong Hwi-nam, Ri Song-hung; Bom Kim-kuk, Choe Ryong-il, Yom Chol-gyong, Ra Myong-song; Ri Kum-chol, Choe Kuk, Paek Chung-song.
North Korea will be without Ri Il-sung, who is suspended after getting a red card last time out. Ri Kum-chol could earn a start after coming off the bench against UAE, while Jong Hwi-nam should continue in defence.