Iran has officially qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium on Tuesday.
Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi played a crucial role, scoring twice in the second half to help Iran secure their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance and seventh overall.
Uzbekistan took the lead early, with Khojimat Erkinov scoring in the 16th minute. Taremi equalized in the 52nd minute, but Uzbekistan quickly regained the lead a minute later through Abbosbek Fayzullaev.
However, Taremi struck again seven minutes before the final whistle, ensuring Iran earned the vital point needed to book their ticket to the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Iran remains at the top of Group A in Asia with 20 points, three ahead of Uzbekistan. The Uzbeks, ranked 58th in the world, still have a chance to qualify if the United Arab Emirates lose to North Korea later on Tuesday.
The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams instead of 32. So far, Iran joins Japan and New Zealand as the teams that have qualified, along with the three host nations.
