TEHRAN – Iran failed to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2026 Asian Handball Championship with a narrow loss against Iran Monday night.

Japan defeated Iran 30-29 in the final Group D match of the 22nd edition held in Saad Al-Abdullah, Kuwait.

As a result, Japan recorded two wins and one loss (four points) and secured a place in the main round of the quarterfinals by ranking second in the group after Saudi Arabia (3 wins).

Iran just defeated Australia and lost to Saudi Arabia and Japan.