The Iranian U-23 side has been drawn into Group C alongside South Korea, Lebanon, and Uzbekistan.

They will open their campaign on January 7 with a high-profile match against South Korea.

Omid Ravankhah’s team will also play Uzbekistan and South Korea on January 10 and 13, respectively.

The 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January 6 to 24.