North Korea’s U20 Win Gives Vietnam a Major Boost in Asian Championship Race

North Korea scored twice in stoppage time to beat Iran 2-1, giving Vietnam a much clearer route through Group C of the 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Iran took the lead in the 47th minute when Mohammadmahdi Jannianavaei headed home. North Korea responded at the end of the match, with Kang Wi Song equalizing in the third minute of added time before Kang Myong Bom completed the comeback two minutes later.

The win gave North Korea six points from two matches and kept it at the top of Group C. Iran remained on three points. For Vietnam, the result arrived before its match against Palestine at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho on Sept. 3.

Vietnam lost 3-0 to North Korea in its opening game, leaving little room for error. But if Vietnam beats Palestine and then defeats Iran in the final round on Sept. 6, it will reach six points. Iran could have no more than three points, and Palestine could not overtake Vietnam, guaranteeing Vietnam at least second place in the group.

The qualifying rules use head-to-head results first when teams finish level on points. Eight group winners and the seven best second-place teams will join host China at the 2027 finals. Vietnam's immediate task, however, is to beat Palestine before it can consider the decisive match against Iran.