Iran qualify for 2026 World Cup for fourth time in a row

Iran on Tuesday booked their place in the 2026 World Cup following a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan at Azadi Stadium.

Mehdi Taremi, who plays for Inter Milan, scored a brace in the second half as Iran secured their place in the final for the fourth consecutive time.

Overall, this was the seventh time in total that the Asian giants qualified for the mega event.

Uzbekistan took the lead courtesy of Khojimat Erkinov, who scored in the 16th minute but Taremi levelled in the 52nd minute.

A minute later, Abbosbek Fayzullaev once again put the White Wolves in front.

But Taremi’s second goal, seven minutes from the end, secured the point Iran needed to ensure their place in the 2026 showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Expressing happiness, the Iranian striker said that his team had “tactical problems” after conceding twice.

“We have to thank the fans who filled the stadium today, and thank God they did not leave empty-handed,” captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh said post-match.

Iran are top of Group A in Asia with 20 points, three ahead of Uzbekistan.

The 58th-ranked Uzbeks will also qualify for the World Cup finals if the United Arab Emirates lose to North Korea later Tuesday.

The 2026 tournament will feature 48 teams, up from 32.

Iran join Japan and New Zealand as the teams to have so far qualified along with the hosts.