The 2024 Chinese Football Association (CFA) · Shanxi International Football Invitational Tournament will take place at the Changzhi Sports Center in Changzhi, North China's Shanxi province, on Aug 10 and 13.

The event features the China U-19 National Men's Football Team against the Iran U-19 National Men's Football Team, marking Changzhi's first time hosting an international football competition.

Inviting the Asian football powerhouse, the Iran U-19 Men's Team, to Shanxi is meant to provide a platform for young players to showcase their talents and hone their skills, foster international football exchanges, and elevate China's global football influence.

The China U-19 Men's Team celebrates a goal. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

Comprising players under 19 years old, the China U-19 Men's Team serves as the country's reserve team, representing China in various international competitions organized by the Asian Football Confederation and Fédération Internationale de Football Association. In June 2024, the China U-19 Men's Team clinched the championship in the 2024 CFA China Team Weinan International Football Invitational Tournament by defeating teams like Vietnam and South Korea with an unbeaten record of two wins and one draw.

Iran's U-19 team, a vital reservoir of talent for the national men's football squad, has a strong track record in player development, producing standout players such as Ali Daei and Karim Bagheri and injecting fresh talent into Iran's football arena.

Changzhi was chosen as the host city due to its rich sports culture and extensive fan base. The city currently boasts over 50 registered football teams and nearly 10,000 registered players. With close to 300 football fields, it has ample resources to support the development of football.

According to the schedule, at 19:35 on Aug 10 and 13, the China U-19 Men's Team will face off against the Iran U-19 Men's Team at the Changzhi Sports Center.