Three-time champions Iran opened their campaign with a 4-1 win over Palestine while Hong Kong need the three points after suffering a 3-1 defeat to United Arab Emirates on Matchday One.
Impressive streak
Iran have won each of their last six internationals against Hong Kong, outscoring them 16-1 across that stretch including a 4-0 win in their most recent encounter (November 2023) while their only previous meeting at the AFC Asian Cup ended in a 2-0 win to Iran (1968 group stage).

Victory elusive
Hong Kong have failed to register a single win in the AFC Asian Cup playing 11 games so far (D3 L8), at least
four more than any other side without a win (Palestine with seven games).

Potent outfit
Four different Iran players scored on against Palestine, their joint-most record in an AFC Asian Cup game alongside a 5-0 win over Yemen in 2019. Only Australia had more goal scorers in a game – six against Uzbekistan in the 2011 semi-finals (6-0).

Tough unit
Hong Kong forward Matt Orr won 17 of 25 aerial duels against UAE, both tallies are at least four more than any other player in an AFC Asian Cup game since 2007.

Massive impact
Iran forward Sardar Azmoun made 10 touches in the opposition box against Palestine despite playing 45 minutes as a substitute, joint-most in Group C with UAE’s Sultan Adil who played the full game.