A glance at the Iran U23 squad list is enough to inspire optimism. The presence of several high-quality players, many already shining in the domestic league or abroad, has raised expectations as the team arrives in Saudi Arabia following a morale-boosting friendly victory over China and awaits the start of the continental tournament.

Experts have labelled the group containing Iran, South Korea, Uzbekistan and Lebanon as a “group of death,” and the description is not without reason. Uzbekistan enter the competition with the core of the team that won the 2023 AFC U20 Asian Cup, continuing a long-term development plan that has consistently produced technically and physically strong players. South Korea, a traditional rival of Iranian football, arrive as one of the tournament favourites, relying on a blend of K League standouts and overseas-based players with extensive international experience.

Lebanon, meanwhile, are the group’s unknown factor. Making their debut at the AFC U23 Asian Cup, they are coached by 59-year-old Jamal Taha and feature an older average squad age compared to their rivals. Despite their lack of tournament history, they cannot be underestimated in such a competitive group.

Iran, however, travel with confidence of their own. Backed by the Football Federation through structured camps and preparatory matches, the team features a blend of promising domestic talents and legionnaires based in Russia and the UAE. From goalkeeper Mohammad Khalifeh to defenders and midfielders such as Mohammadmehdi Zare, Mohammadjavad Hosseinnejad and Amir Mohammad Razaghinia, as well as striker Reza Ghandipour, the squad includes players viewed as key figures in the future of Iranian football.

Under Ravankhah, reputation and status take a back seat to collective commitment. In Saudi Arabia, the squad is united around a single goal: achieving a breakthrough performance after years of frustration at this level. With federation president Mehdi Taj also placing special emphasis on the U23 project amid preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expectations around the team have grown.

Iran will open their campaign on Wednesday against South Korea, a match that could set the tone for the entire tournament. For Ravankhah and his players, it may well mark the beginning of a journey toward a long-awaited and memorable conclusion one that Iranian football fans hope will signal the rise of a new generation.