TEHRAN (Tasnim) Irans hopes suffered a setback after a 3-1 defeat to Lebanon in Group A of the AFC Womens Asian Cup Australia 2026 Qualifiers on Wednesday.

The result leaves Iran with six points, standing alongside Jordan, its opponent in Saturdays final round of matches.

Lebanon secured its first victory of the campaign after suffering two earlier defeats.

Christy Maalouf scored a hat-trick against Iran, opening the scoring in the fifth minute and doubling Lebanons lead in the 22nd minute.

Fatemeh Shaban reduced the deficit for Iran in the 57th minute, but Maalouf completed her treble with a final goal in the 71st minute.