Iran and Japan reach Asian Championship final with Los Angeles 2028 in sight

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Japan and Iran will meet for the Asian title in Fukuoka, with Sunday’s final carrying a prize that goes far beyond continental gold: the winner will also secure a direct ticket to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games!

Both teams lived up to the expectations surrounding them before the AVC Men’s Volleyball Asian Championship, reaching the final after convincing semi-final victories.
Their place in the top three also guarantees qualification for the 2027 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Cup in Poland. The final continental ticket will be decided earlier on Sunday, when Australia and Korea meet for bronze.

Iran were the first team to book their place in the gold-medal match, overcoming Australia 3–1 (25:21, 17:25, 25:17, 25:22). Australia managed to level the match after winning the second set, but Iran regained control and closed out the semi-final in four sets.
Poriya Khanzadeh and opposite Ali Hajipour shared the scoring honours with 20 points apiece. Khanzadeh produced three aces, while Hajipour attacked at an impressive 63% efficiency. Morteza Sharifi added 13 points, including three aces and a block.
Australia were led by Lorenzo Pope with 18 points, while Lincoln Alexander Williams finished with 16.

The second semi-final was a very different story. In front of more than 6,500 spectators in Fukuoka, hosts Japan dominated Korea from the opening rally, cruising to a 3–0 (25:13, 25:11, 25:14) victory.
Captain Yuki Ishikawa led Japan with 15 points, including three aces and a block, and 65% in attack, while Ran Takahashi added 14 points, with two aces and two blocks, and Yuki Nishida contributed 10, all in attack, converting at an impressive 71%.
Korea, meanwhile, struggled to find an answer to Japan’s pressure throughout the match.
Subong Heo was their leading scorer with just six points.

The stage is now set for the final. Japan will have the support of a home crowd behind them, while Iran arrive with the opportunity to add another continental crown to their history. But neither side needs reminding of what is really at stake.
Sunday’s final begins at 19:30 local time in Fukuoka. By the end of the evening, Asia will have a new champion — and one team will also have secured its place at Los Angeles 2028.

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🏐| 2026 AVC Men’s Volleyball Asian Championship | Semifinals:

Saturday September 12, 2026
• 15.30 (Local Time) | Iran – Australia 3-1 (25:21, 17:25, 25:17, 25:22)
• 19.30 (Local Time) | Japan – South Korea 3-0 (25:13, 25:11, 25:14)

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