Iran beat China 79:70 at the Asian Games on 20 September 2026, ending the hosts' perfect start to the tournament. Both teams arrived at the matchup unbeaten, sitting level at the top of the table with three wins apiece. China's five-game winning run had included some emphatic results, but against Iran they found themselves outplayed when it mattered.
The visitors took control early and maintained their advantage throughout. China struggled to find rhythm, while Iran worked their gameplan with composure. The hosts looked uncomfortable in transition, and by the final whistle Iran had secured a victory that keeps them unbeaten after three matches.
China's recent form suggested they should have had too much for Iran. They had beaten Japan 78:97, Saudi Arabia 87:78, Philippines 105:61, Bahrain 105:59 and Kazakhstan 99:61 in their preceding five games. Iran, meanwhile, had suffered a heavy 51:77 defeat to South Korea just two days earlier before a string of closer results against Bahrain, Jordan and Chinese Taipei.
The result means China drop from sole possession of first place, though both teams remain on three wins. Iran extend their unbeaten run to three games, while China's perfect record comes to an end. The hosts had nothing to lose, but they found themselves out-thought on the touchline when the pressure was on.
