Iran, a regular fixture at the FIFA World Cup, became the second Asian nation to secure a spot at next year’s tournament after battling back twice to earn a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan in Tehran on Tuesday.
Ranked second among AFC teams in the FIFA standings, Iran needed only a point to join Japan in qualifying for the finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, they faced a stern test at the Azadi Stadium, where an impressive Uzbekistan side pushed them to the limit. Mehdi Taremi ultimately secured Iran’s qualification, scoring his second goal of the match seven minutes from time.
Uzbekistan, seeking their first-ever World Cup appearance, took the lead in the 16th minute through Khojimat Erkinov. Iran responded early in the second half when Inter Milan forward Taremi found the net, but parity lasted just a minute before Abbosbek Fayzullaev restored Uzbekistan’s advantage.
Taremi once again proved decisive, slotting past goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov late on to ensure Iran’s fourth consecutive World Cup appearance.
Uzbekistan remain well-positioned for their long-awaited World Cup debut. Sitting second on 17 points, they need a win in June—either away to third-placed UAE or at home against fourth-placed Qatar—to seal qualification. They may even qualify sooner if UAE, who are tied on 10 points with Qatar, fail to beat bottom-placed North Korea later on Tuesday.
The top two teams from each group earn automatic qualification, while those finishing third and fourth enter an additional round of qualifying.
Elsewhere in Asian qualifying, Australia strengthened their hopes of automatic qualification with a 2-0 win over China, thanks to first-half goals from Jackson Irvine and Nishan Velupillay. However, Saudi Arabia remained in contention in Group C after holding Japan to a goalless draw.
In Group B, South Korea, led by Son Heung-min, remain top but missed a chance to secure early qualification after a second consecutive 1-1 home draw, this time against Jordan. They now face a crucial away match against Iraq in June before a final home game against Kuwait, needing four points to guarantee progression without relying on other results.
Jordan sit three points behind South Korea, but Iraq could close the gap to just one point if they defeat Palestine in Amman later.
Meanwhile, Indonesia climbed to fourth in their group with a 1-0 win over Bahrain, while Oxford United forward Ole Romeny scored his second goal in as many matches to hand Netherlands and Barcelona legend Patrick Kluivert his first win as a manager.
