TEHRAN – Iran lost to Japan 88-83 on Sunday to finish sixth at the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026.

Mohammad Kamal Khaledi led Iran with 26 points, while Japan’s Kaito had a game-high 30 points.

Australia will face China in the final match on Sunday, while New Zealand meet South Korea in the bronze medal match.

The top four teams booked their place at the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2027, to be held in Pardubice, Czechia.

The youth competition's 28th edition runs on Aug. 13-23, with games were played at the Veer Savarkar Indoor Stadium in Ahmedabad, India.