Match Preview
Both Japan and Iran made it to the Asian Games 2026 grand final with perfect 5-0 records, Japan dropping just two sets and Iran four. Who will claim the gold medal on Saturday?
Japan Surviving a Five-Set Semifinal
Japan are entering this gold medal-deciding clash after winning all six appearances so far at the Asian Games 2026.
They didn't drop a single set in the group stages, defeating Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Pakistan in straight sets, then the same scoreline was seen in the quarterfinals against Qatar.
The Samurai were tagged as massive favorites in Friday's semifinal clash against China. They were ahead twice, but the opposition forced a fifth set. Japan won narrowly 15-13 in the tiebreaker.
Iran Chasing a Fourth Straight Asian Games Title
Iran have won the last three editions of the Asian Games, but are still entering this final clash with the label of underdogs.
They started the tournament with clean 3-0 victories against Kirgizstan and Thailand, while also beating Indonesia in the third round in a five-set thriller, 3-2.
Iran were on the edge of elimination in the quarterfinals, trailing 2-1 against underdogs South Korea, but orchestrated a big comeback and won in five sets. They had zero problems yesterday, cruising past Pakistan 3-0 in the semifinals.