Iran qualifies for World Cup 2026 after thriller Uzbekistan

This article explains how Iran qualified for the 2026 World Cup. It highlights the thrilling qualification match against Uzbekistan, focusing on top scorer Mehdi Taremi and the AFC qualifiers.

Iran qualifies for World Cup football again thanks to Mehdi Taremi

Iran has secured qualification for the World Cup 2026 via the AFC after a nerve-wracking 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan. At the Azadi Stadium in Tehran, Iran fell behind twice, but Mehdi Taremi emerged as the hero with two crucial goals. With this result, Iran became the second Asian team to qualify for the World Cup football finals.

Uzbekistan started strongly and seemed headed for their first-ever World Cup appearance. Khojimat Erkinov surprisingly put the visitors ahead after just sixteen minutes. Despite multiple opportunities for Sardar Azmoun, Iran equalized only in the second half through an impressive volley by Taremi.

Thrilling conclusion in AFC qualification between Iran and Uzbekistan

Immediately after Iran's equalizer, Uzbekistan regained the lead through Abbosbek Fayzullaev. His free-kick bypassed everyone, ending up in the Iranian net. However, Iran persisted, and seven minutes before full-time, Taremi equalized again. His late strike sparked wild celebrations among Iranian supporters.

Match highlights Iran - Uzbekistan:

• Erkinov opened the scoring early for Uzbekistan (16th minute).
• Taremi equalized with a stunning volley (52nd minute).
• Fayzullaev immediately restored Uzbekistan’s lead (53rd minute).
• Taremi scored the decisive equalizer late on (83rd minute).

Other notable AFC results on the same matchday

Besides Iran, Kyrgyzstan delivered a major upset by defeating Qatar. Australia and Indonesia also secured important wins, while Saudi Arabia played out a goalless draw against already-qualified Japan.

Iran returns to World Cup 2026

After a gripping battle with Uzbekistan, Iran once again qualified for the World Cup 2026. Thanks to star player Mehdi Taremi, Iran secured another spot at the global finals through the AFC qualifiers.

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Iran has qualified for the 2026 World Cup after an exciting match against Uzbekistan. Read how Iran secured participation again through AFC qualification.

About the author

Author of this content is Patrick. I have been playing soccer for more than 25 years and follow the daily news closely. My hobbies include playing football, running and maintaining various websites, in addition to my job as a financial professional.

I do not work for any related company or institution, so the information is reliable and independent. The information has been collected accurately from reliable sources and is regularly updated.