Iran U-20 Women Sharpen Defensive Edge Ahead of Asian Qualifiers
Niloufar Ardalan, focusing on defensive structure, line cohesion, and tactical pressing as they prepare for the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup qualifying stage.
Under Ardalan and her technical staff, the players began with dynamic warm-ups and stretching before rehearsing their defensive alignment against varied attacking patterns. The session progressed into high-intensity tactical drills: front-court pressing, defensive rebuilding in depth, and covering spaces behind the back line.
The U-20 squad continues its preparation with clear objectives and high motivation as it approaches the preliminary round of the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup. Thirty-three teams in eight groups will compete from 2 to 10 August 2025, and Iran has been drawn into Group F alongside Japan, host nation Malaysia, and Guam.
The team’s match schedule (local time first, Tehran time in parentheses) is as follows:
- Wednesday, 6 August: Japan vs. Guam at 16:45 (11:15); Iran vs. Malaysia at 20:45 (16:15)
- Friday, 8 August: Guam vs. Iran at 16:45 (11:15); Malaysia vs. Japan at 20:45 (16:15)
- Sunday, 10 August: Japan vs. Iran at 16:45 (11:15); Malaysia vs. Guam at 20:45 (16:15)
Group winners and the three best runners-up across all groups will qualify for the 2026 AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup in Thailand. The Iran U-20 women’s team remains fully committed to securing a top-two finish in Group F and advancing to the final tournament.
