Iran defeats South Korea in Asian Cup opening match

Even though South Korea was considered far superior, Iran failed to spring a surprise in their first Group B match of the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup finals.

A strong second-half performance helped the South Korean women's team secure a 3-0 victory over Iran at Perth Stadium, marking their seventh opening-match win in tournament history and taking the lead in Group C of the 2026 Asian Cup finals.

Given the disparity in tournament experience and FIFA rankings—14 appearances versus 2, from 21st to 68th place—it was no surprise that South Korea dominated from the opening whistle, even though both starting lineups featured seven debutants.

The opening goal came in the 38th minute from a well-worked move. So-Yun Ji passed to Yoo-Jung Choi at the edge of the box, and Choe Yu-Ri's clever touch found Jang Sel-gi, who drove into the area and hit the post—but Choe Yu-Ri quickly slotted in the rebound, scoring her 70th national team goal.

The score could have been 2-0 before halftime, but after rounding Yektaei, So-Yun Ji shot wide. Later, Choi even had time to meet Eun-Ju Mun's precise cross from six meters out, followed by Chae-Rim Kang heading wide from Kim Hye-ri's close-range effort. None resulted in a goal.

Brought on to replace Choe, Lee Eun-young was fouled by Melika Motevalli less than a minute after coming on. Veteran defender Kim Hye-ri made no mistake, shooting into the bottom right corner, although goalkeeper Yektaei got a hand to the ball.

After scoring, Kim Hye-ri added an assist in the 75th minute when the right-back delivered a perfect free-kick for captain Ko Yoo-jin, who powered a header into the top left corner, sealing a 3-0 victory for South Korea over Iran.

South Korea will seek a second win against the Philippines on Thursday, while Iran faces another tough challenge against host nation Australia.

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