Iran U23 vs China U23 — match summary
Asia · Asian Games · kick-off 20 Sept 2026 12:00
Full time · score 0-0
pPS pre-match readiness (0-100): Iran U23 58 · China U23 –
mPS in-play performance (0-100): Iran U23 25 · China U23 21
Shots on target 1-1 · corners 9-2 · possession 69-31
NextGOAL tip: China U23 +0.5 · 2 stars
This Asian Games round brings Iran U23 and China U23 together again, after the two sides traded several matches earlier this year - some ending with the same scoreline, others with three goals to two. This time is different: both came through the first round with contrasting momentum, and there are no league points to think about, only progress to the next round. Iran U23 opened with a 3-1 win, but before that they had strung together low-scoring draws and defeats. Their attack still lacks sharpness, while China U23 have won five in a row, four of them high-scoring friendlies, capped by a 2-1 win in their opening match. Their defence is solid enough. If Iran U23 score first, the game will likely slow down and become one where China U23 have to open up and trade blows. But if China U23 take the lead, they are already comfortable dropping deep and waiting to counter. The match could finish with a scoreline that is not too far apart.