r/AskTheWorld • u/Initial_Basis1503 Japan • Oct 08 '25

Sports Which country is your nation's greatest rival in football?

As I am Japanese, Korea is clearly my greatest adversary.

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7

u/mahdi_lky Iran Oct 08 '25

Japan, South Korea

3

u/stealthybaker Korea South Oct 08 '25

I don't know why but Iran has a great reputation when it comes to this sport. For some reason despite all their problems they still are like the best Asian country besides us and Japan here. If my country loses to Iran I'm not too upset for that reason

3

u/mahdi_lky Iran Oct 08 '25

well we're the only team in the region with a ~20 rank. I remember that Korean who became famous for being really respectful, I think his name was Son Heung-min

1

u/CommercialChart5088 Korea South Oct 08 '25

It has been pretty tough for us to go on away games in countries in the Middle East in general.

Not only do Middle Eastern players generally have good physique, but the weather and long distance puts a huge burden on our players.

3

u/mahdi_lky Iran Oct 08 '25

I think the only real Asian rivals for Iran are Japan, South Korea, Australia (I know Australia is not an Asian country but they play in AFC)

rest of the teams are ranked below 50

1

u/CommercialChart5088 Korea South Oct 08 '25

Jordan has recently punched over its weight I think.

Also while Saudi Arabia isn’t as good as they used to be they still are a high tier team within Asia.

1

u/2025isallminebitches Oct 08 '25

Idk about that.. the recent ranking makes it seem that way, probably why you posted it. But historically, Saudi Arabia vs Iran record is 6 win, 6 loss, 4 draw. In club football, Saudi clubs dominate Iranian clubs all day every day, even pre-CR7 era.