Iran Secures Berth at 2026 World Cup
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Mehdi Taremi scored twice as Iran clinched its berth at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a 2-2 stalemate with Uzbekistan in their AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 Group A tie on Tuesday.
Iran twice had to come from behind to deny Uzbekistan victory, with the result taking them to 20 points, which assures them of their ticket to the United States, Canada, and Mexico showpiece event.
Uzbekistan, on 17 points, remains in pole position to reach its first-ever FIFA World Cup, with only the United Arab Emirates still able to catch the team.
Uzbekistan found itself ahead thanks to a surging run down the left from Farrukh Sayfiev in the 16th minute, with his subsequent cross landing at the feet of Hojimat Erkinov, who picked his spot in the bottom corner past Alireza Beiranvand.
The second half turned out to be a classic, with Iran equalizing in the 52nd minute after Azmoun’s lob over Manchester City’s Abdukodir Khusanov was volleyed home by Taremi to the delight of the packed Azadi Stadium.
Parity, however, only lasted a minute as Uzbekistan regained the advantage after Abbosbek Fayzullaev’s curling free-kick from the left was completely missed by a line of Iran players, allowing it to bounce straight into the net.
The home side was not to be denied in the 83rd minute when substitute Ali Gholizadeh swung in a deep cross, which Uzbekistan failed to clear, allowing Taremi the chance to steer it in from close range to take Iran to a fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup.
