in 1972, there was an increase in participation from the Arab nations. Iraq and Kuwait topped both of their groups to reach the finals. Cambodia was also welcomed as new member of the group. Perennial favorites Korea Republic joined as the fourth qualifier. The hosts, Thailand and holders, Iran rounded out the six teams in the 1972 Asian Cup Finals.
In 1972, a new format for the finals was introduced. Preliminary games would determine the two final groups. Iran won both games in group one and Thailand squeaked by Iraq on goal difference. In group two, all three teams finished with equal points but Kuwait lost out to Korea Republic and Cambodia due to their better goal differential. The semi-finals proved to be a tight contest for all sides setting up Iran and Korea Republic in the final showdown. Iran would go on to lift their second consecutive Asian Cup trophy with a goal by Kalani in extra-time.

19th-May-1972   Final   Iran vs. South Korea 2-1

Scorers: Iran (Jabbari ; Kalani) Kore Rep.  (Park Ie Chun )

Referee: Kattirawal (Malaysia )

Iran : Nasser Hejazi; Ebrahim Ashtiani; Majeed Halwaee; Akbar Kargarjam ;Mostafa Arab; Parviz Ghleechkhani; Ali Jabbari (Mehdi Monajati) ;Javad Ghurab ;Homayoun Behzadi; Gholamhossein Mazloomi (Safar Iranpak ) ; Hossein Kalani; Ali Jabbari 1 Hossein Kalani 1
 

Korea Rep. : Lee Saipon ;Park Yung Tai ;Kim Ho ;Kim Hu Kouen;Kim Kyung Jong;Lee Chaman (46 'Huang Ji Man);Cha Wok ;Park Su Doc (46' Dum Lee Yutak);Cha Bum Kuan ;Park Ie Chun;Kim Jin Kok