26 March 2025
Iran qualified for the 2026 World Cup finals after a 2-2 draw with Uzbekistan on Tuesday evening in the eighth round of the Asian qualifiers. The hosts owed this precious result to striker Mehdi Taremi, who scored both goals for his country in the 52nd and 83rd minutes of the match at Azadi Stadium in Tehran. Uzbekistan's goals were scored by Khodkimat Erkinov and Abbasbek Fayzullaev in the 16th and 53rd minutes, respectively.
With this draw, Iran's national team now has 20 points, sits atop Group A and secures direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Iran became the third team to qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup through the qualifying process, after Japan and New Zealand.
Meanwhile, Uzbekistan raised its tally to 17 points, occupying second place, seven points behind the UAE, ahead of its match this evening against host North Korea, who sits at the bottom of the group with just two points.
Kyrgyzstan, meanwhile, raised its tally to six points, occupying fifth place in the group, following a surprise victory over Qatar, who are fourth in the group with 10 points.
