Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan national team played to a draw against Iran in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match. The encounter, held in Tehran, ended with a 2-2 scoreline.

A brace from Mehdi Taremi secured Iran’s ticket to the World Cup, while Uzbekistan, with 17 points, remains in a strong position to achieve a historic qualification for the tournament’s final stage. The only team still capable of catching up with Uzbekistan is the United Arab Emirates.

Twice during the match, Iran had to come from behind, preventing Uzbekistan from taking all three points in Tehran. With 20 points, Iran has now guaranteed its participation in the World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

From the opening minutes, the hosts pressed forward aggressively. In the 9th minute, Sardar Azmoun received a pass and found himself in a shooting position, but his effort went just wide of the post. Despite Iran’s early dominance, it was Uzbekistan that struck first. In the 16th minute, Farrukh Sayfiev made a blistering run down the left flank and delivered a precise low cross into the penalty area, where Khojimat Erkinov coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner past Alireza Beiranvand.

Conceding the opening goal, Iran intensified its pressure. Mehdi Ghaedi was unable to beat Uzbekistan’s goalkeeper, Utkir Yusupov, and soon after, Azmoun, breaking through one-on-one, missed the target. In stoppage time of the first half, the Shabab Al Ahli striker found himself in another prime scoring position, but his shot went wide again, leaving Uzbekistan with a narrow lead at halftime.

The second half turned into a true thriller. In the 52nd minute, Azmoun deftly flicked the ball over Manchester City defender Abdulkodir Khusanov, and Taremi volleyed it into the net, igniting wild celebrations among the crowd at Azadi Stadium.

However, Iran’s joy was short-lived. In the very next attack, Abbosbek Fayzullaev executed a brilliant free kick. His curling delivery from the left flank sailed past a crowd of players without a single touch and nestled into the net behind Beiranvand, putting Uzbekistan back in front.

In the 69th minute, Iran came close to equalizing again. Azmoun met Taremi’s cross with a close-range header, but Yusupov produced a spectacular save with his foot. In the ensuing scramble, Rustamjon Ashurmatov reacted fastest and cleared the ball off the line.

Iran’s relentless attacks continued. In the 78th minute, Saeid Ezatolahi connected with a header, but Khojiakbar Alijonov made a crucial goal-line clearance. Yet in the 83rd minute, Iran finally found their equalizer. Ali Gholizadeh, coming on as a substitute, sent in a cross into the penalty area. Uzbekistan’s defenders failed to clear the ball, allowing Taremi to capitalize on the chaos and slot it home, sealing Iran’s qualification for their fourth consecutive World Cup.