In the team's maiden AFC Asian Cup, Yemen was grouped with Iraq, Iran and Vietnam. Their opening campaign was against Iran, which participated in the previous 2018 World Cup and had almost eliminated Spain in progress. Yemen played well in the first ten minutes and almost scored a goal, but aftermath saw Iran completely dominated Yemen and the Yemenis lost 0–5 to Iran. Yemen later fell to Iraq 0–3 after being unable to repel Iraqi pressure, and later lost to Southeast Asian opponent Vietnam 0–2 and finished last with no goal and no point. Both three opponents of Yemen would soon progress from the group stage.