Mehdi Taremi scored twice as Iran came from behind twice to secure a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran on Tuesday, booking their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The result ensures Iran’s fourth consecutive appearance at the finals, while Uzbekistan remain strongly positioned to qualify for their first-ever World Cup.
Uzbekistan took the lead against the run of play in the 16th minute. Hojimat Erkinov finished clinically after a surging run and cross from Farrukh Sayfiev.
Iran, needing only a draw to qualify, pressed for an equalizer. Star forwards Sardar Azmoun and Taremi combined early, but Azmoun missed several opportunities throughout the match, including slicing wide early on and being denied by Uzbekistan goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov.
Iran finally drew level in the 52nd minute. Azmoun’s lobbed pass was met with a volley by Taremi, much to the delight of the home crowd.
However, parity lasted just a minute. Uzbekistan regained the lead directly from a curling Abbosbek Fayzullaev free-kick that evaded a line of Iranian players and bounced into the net.
Iran continued to push relentlessly. Azmoun saw a point-blank header saved by Yusupov’s leg, with Rustamjon Ashurmatov clearing the subsequent scramble off the goal line. Saeid Ezatolahi then had a powerful header blocked on the line by Khojiakbar Alijonov.
The crucial equalizer arrived in the 83rd minute. Substitute Ali Gholizadeh delivered a deep cross that Uzbekistan failed to clear, allowing Taremi to steer the ball home from close range, securing Iran’s qualification.
The draw takes Iran to 20 points, confirming their top-two finish in Group A. Uzbekistan remain second on 17 points, well-placed to join Iran and already-qualified Japan at the World Cup finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The United Arab Emirates are third, unable to catch Uzbekistan.
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