Iran has secured a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after playing to a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium on Tuesday.
Inter Milan forward Mehdi Taremi was instrumental in the match, scoring twice in the second half to ensure Iran’s qualification for a fourth consecutive World Cup and their seventh overall appearance in the tournament.
Uzbekistan took the lead early in the 16th minute through Khojimat Erkinov, but Iran responded in the second half when Taremi equalized in the 52nd minute. However, just a minute later, Abbosbek Fayzullaev restored Uzbekistan’s lead, making it 2-1.
Taremi then scored his second goal seven minutes before the final whistle, securing the crucial point needed for their qualification.
Reflecting on the game, Taremi acknowledged that the team had “tactical problems” after conceding twice but expressed his satisfaction with the result.
Iran’s captain, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, also praised the home supporters, saying, “We have to thank the fans who filled the stadium today, and thank God they did not leave empty-handed.”
With this result, Iran sits atop Group A in the Asian qualifiers with 20 points, three ahead of Uzbekistan. The Uzbeks could still qualify if the United Arab Emirates lose to North Korea later on Tuesday.
The 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded format with 48 teams instead of the previous 32. Iran now joins Japan, New Zealand, and the host nations as confirmed participants in the tournament.
