The Iran U23 vs Lebanon U23 match is scheduled for January 13, 2026, at Al-Shabab Club Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a capacity of 15,000 spectators. This fixture forms part of the Group C stage in the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026, a crucial group-stage encounter where both teams seek valuable points to advance toward the quarterfinals. The referee details for this specific match remain to be confirmed by the AFC closer to kick-off, though the tournament features experienced officials and VAR support to ensure fair play in high-stakes youth competition.
This game pits a traditionally strong Iranian youth side against Lebanon, who are making their debut in the finals after a successful qualification campaign. Iran enters with solid defensive discipline shown in recent outings, while Lebanon has displayed resilience but struggled against top-tier opposition in their opening fixtures.
BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS
Get ready for an intriguing clash as Iran U23 vs Lebanon U23 prediction today highlights contrasting momentum and experience levels. Iran has maintained clean sheets in their two group matches so far, showcasing tactical organization and resilience. Lebanon, despite competitive efforts, has conceded heavily in defeats, exposing defensive vulnerabilities. Historical dominance favors Iran, who hold a strong record in past encounters. This matchup promises a test of Iran’s control against Lebanon’s counter-attacking intent. Bettors should watch for low-scoring trends given both teams’ recent defensive approaches.
Iran U23 Results
Iran U23 have shown strong defensive form in the ongoing tournament, combining it with consistent results from preparation matches. The team remains unbeaten in their recent competitive outings, building confidence ahead of this key fixture.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 10.01.26 | AFC U23 Asian Cup | Iran U23 vs Uzbekistan U23 | 0-0 | D |
| 07.01.26 | AFC U23 Asian Cup | South Korea U23 vs Iran U23 | 0-0 | D |
| 18.11.25 | Friendly | Iran U23 vs Bahrain U23 | 1-0 | W |
| 15.11.25 | Friendly | Kyrgyzstan U23 vs Iran U23 | 2-1 | L |
| 12.11.25 | Friendly | Russia U21 vs Iran U23 | 2-0 | L |
Iran demonstrates exceptional defensive solidity in the tournament, conceding zero goals across two matches. Their ability to grind out results without conceding highlights maturity. Preparation win underline attacking potential when needed. Recent losses were in tougher friendlies against stronger opponents. Overall, the team appears primed for progression with disciplined play.
Lebanon U23 Results
Lebanon U23, as tournament debutants, have faced tough opposition early on but shown glimpses of fight. Their qualification success indicates potential, though adaptation to finals intensity remains a challenge.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 10.01.26 | AFC U23 Asian Cup | Lebanon U23 vs South Korea U23 | 2-4 | L |
| 07.01.26 | AFC U23 Asian Cup | Uzbekistan U23 vs Lebanon U23 | 3-2 | L |
| 09.09.25 | AFC U23 Qualifiers | Lebanon U23 vs Mongolia U23 | 3-0 | W |
| 06.09.25 | AFC U23 Qualifiers | Lebanon U23 vs Thailand U23 | 2-2 | D |
| 03.09.25 | AFC U23 Qualifiers | Malaysia U23 vs Lebanon U23 | 0-1 | W |
Lebanon has struggled defensively in the finals, conceding seven goals in two losses. Scoring twice against top sides shows offensive spark despite setbacks. Qualification results were more positive with wins and a draw. The team needs better structure to compete at this level. Resilience in coming back in matches could prove key moving forward.
Iran U23 vs Lebanon U23 Head-to-Head (Last Encounter)
The rivalry between these sides is limited, with only one recorded competitive meeting. Iran has historically asserted dominance in youth Asian fixtures.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 28.10.21 | AFC U23 Qualifiers | Lebanon U23 vs Iran U23 | 0-2 |
Iran secured a convincing victory in their sole previous meeting, demonstrating superiority in execution. The clean sheet underscores defensive strength against Lebanese attacks. Lebanon failed to score, highlighting challenges in breaking down organized defenses. This result favors Iran in terms of historical edge. Expect similar control in the upcoming clash.
Iran U23 vs Lebanon U23 – Predicted Starting Lineups
Predicted lineups are based on the most recent team selections, current form, tactical preferences of the coaching staff, and available squad information ahead of the match. Please note that final confirmed starting XIs are usually announced 60–90 minutes before kick-off and may be affected by last-minute injury checks, tactical adjustments or rotation decisions.
Iran U23 possible starting lineup
Khalifeh (GK), Moamelehgari (DF), Zare (DF), Eiri (DF), Mohdavi (DF), Latififar (MF), Razzaghinia (MF), Rostami (MF), Jafari (MF), Hosseinnejad (FW), Ghandipour (FW)
Lebanon U23 possible starting lineup
Maassry (GK), Safwan (DF), Farhat (DF), Smaira (DF), Ismail (DF), Fouani (MF), Sadek (MF), El Fadl (MF), Istambouli (FW), Shahin (FW), Kassas (FW)
Key Match Factors and Team Insights
As we approach kick-off, several critical elements will shape the outcome of this Group C battle. Both sides carry motivation to secure points for advancement, but differences in experience and current form stand out prominently.
- Iran boasts an unbeaten run in the tournament with two clean sheets;
- Lebanon has conceded heavily (7 goals in two matches), exposing defensive frailties;
- Iran U23 shows strong physical condition with no major reported injuries;
- Lebanon may miss depth due to adaptation challenges as debutants;
- Iran’s tactical discipline limits opponents’ chances effectively;
- Lebanon has scored in both group games, suggesting counter-threat potential;
- No major scandals or disruptions affect either camp;
- Iran’s motivation is high after solid draws against top teams.
Free Tips on Iran U23 vs Lebanon U23
This section delivers practical, match-specific free betting tips drawn directly from the teams’ recent statistics, head-to-head history, and current tournament trends. By examining goal patterns, defensive records, and form indicators, these insights help identify value opportunities without emotional bias. Focus remains on objective data from previous matches to guide smarter decisions for the January 13, 2026 clash.
- Prioritize defensive solidity over high-scoring expectations — Iran’s two consecutive clean sheets in the group stage, combined with their 2-0 win in the only prior meeting against Lebanon, point toward a low-goal affair where under 2.5 goals offers strong reliability.
- Lean toward Iran capitalizing on Lebanon’s defensive vulnerabilities — Lebanon has conceded seven goals across their opening two group losses, contrasting sharply with Iran’s organized backline, making a clean-sheet win for the favorites a logical angle.
- Consider historical dominance in limited encounters — The single head-to-head result (Iran 2-0 away in qualifiers) reinforces a pattern of Iran controlling games against Lebanon, suggesting value in backing them to dictate play and limit counter-threats.
- Account for the artificial turf surface at Al-Shabab Club Stadium — Both teams adapt variably to synthetic pitches, but Iran’s disciplined style and recent tournament composure on Riyadh venues should suit them better than Lebanon’s more open, leaky approach.
- Monitor motivation levels in a must-win context — With Iran holding a stronger position after solid draws and Lebanon desperate for points as debutants, expect heightened intensity from the Iranians to secure advancement, favoring a straightforward victory without unnecessary risks.
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Iran U23 vs Lebanon U23 Match Prediction
Iran U23 holds a clear advantage heading into this encounter, backed by defensive resilience and historical superiority. Their two clean sheets in the group stage contrast sharply with Lebanon’s leaky backline, which has shipped seven goals already. While Lebanon has shown fight by scoring in defeats, Iran’s organized structure and experience in high-pressure youth tournaments should prevail. Expect Iran to control possession and limit transitions, leading to a comfortable victory. The Iran U23 vs Lebanon U23 odds reflect this favoritism, with value likely on a home win or low-scoring affair given both sides’ recent trends toward caution. Overall, Iran is poised to claim three crucial points and strengthen their knockout qualification bid.
Our Prediction: Iran U23 2-0 Lebanon U23
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Winner | Iran U23 | 1.18 |
| Total Goals | Under 2.5 | 1.94 |
| Both Teams to Score | No | 1.37 |
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