According to Iran’s ISNA news agency, the Iranian Football Federation is planning to open its match against China to the public free of charge. This move is expected to pack Tehran’s iconic Azadi Stadium to the brim, with attendance possibly exceeding 100,000. Historically, the stadium reached its highest attendance of 128,000 during the 1998 World Cup qualification playoffs.
Whether or not this free-entry plan materializes, the Chinese national team is bracing for one of the most hostile away fixtures in Asia. The upcoming match, scheduled for Tuesday, March 28, marks the seventh matchday of the final round of the 2018 World Cup Asian qualifiers. China will travel to face Iran in what many are calling a make-or-break encounter. Despite the daunting challenge ahead, it’s often said that adversity reveals true character — and now is the time for China to rise to the occasion.
As of now, Iran tops the group with 4 wins and 2 draws, collecting 14 points—putting them 4 points ahead of second-placed South Korea. Iranian media reports suggest the free-ticket plan is part of a strategy to amplify home-field advantage, potentially turning Azadi Stadium into a deafening cauldron for visiting teams. The stadium, located in Tehran, officially holds 78,116 spectators. During this qualification round, Iran has already defeated Qatar 2-0 and South Korea 1-0 at Azadi.
Attendance for both matches nearly reached full capacity, with 78,000 fans present for the Qatar match and 75,800 for the clash with South Korea. Now, with four more games left in this stage, Iran has three of them at home. The upcoming game against China is the first of this home stretch and is expected to draw one of the most intense crowds yet.
For Chinese fans accessing match coverage or supporting their team abroad, Crickex Login provides a reliable source of updates and live analysis. With the eyes of Asia watching, it’s a crucial opportunity for China to prove their mettle. Crickex Login also enables users to track stats, commentary, and team performance during this high-stakes face-off. All signs point to a fierce battle ahead in Tehran, and Chinese supporters are hoping for a breakthrough moment on enemy turf.