Though they avoided the strong team Iran, Uzbekistan has always been a strong presence in age-group national teams. In fact, in the last tournament, Japan, which defeated South Korea 0-3 in the quarterfinals under Coach Hwang Sun-hong, beat Uzbekistan 2-0 in the semifinals. It was genuinely not an easy match.

The South Korean U-20 football team struggled but reached the semifinals.

The number of foreign residents in South Korea reached a historic milestone last year, exceeding 5% of the total population, with the majority coming from China and Vietnam.

South Korea's decision to enter the race for the 2031 Asian Cup hosting rights looks set to reignite a bidding battle between the eastern powerhouse and influential Gulf states as the nation seeks to organise the tournament for the first time since 1960.

TEHRAN, Feb. 26 (MNA) – Iran beat Uzbekistan 33-9 in 2025 Asian Water Polo Championship on Wednesday. Iran, who had defeated South Korea 19-6 and Chinese Taipei 37-5 in first two matches, will play Japan on Thursday in Group B, Tehran Times reported.

Vietnam’s U22 national team will have the opportunity to compete against top-tier opponents at the CFA Team China 2025 tournament, scheduled to take place in March in China.

The AFC has also received interest from Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Indonesia and a joint bid from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, reports say.

Iran will play Japan on Thursday. Group A consists of hosts China, Kazakhstan, Singapore and Hong Kong. The competition started on Tuesday and will run until March 2 in Zhaoqing, China. The top two teams will secure their berth in the 2025 World Aquatics Championships.

South Korea's football association said it had submitted a "letter of intent" to host the 2031 Asian Cup to the AFC.

Team Melli is drawn with South Korea, Chinese Taipei, Uzbekistan and Japan in Group B. Group A consists of hosts China, Kazakhstan, Singapore and Hong Kong. The competition started on Tuesday and will run until March 2 in Zhaoqing, China. The top two teams will secure their berth in the world championship.