Iran has become the latest team to book their place at the 2026 World Cup.
The country secured qualification despite a 2-2 home draw with Uzbekistan at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium on Tuesday.
Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi scored a brace in the second half, ensuring Iran’s place at the tournament for a fourth consecutive time and seventh overall.
Uzbekistan took the lead through Khojimat Erkinov in the 16th minute, but Taremi equalised in the 52nd minute.
A minute later, Abbosbek Fayzullaev restored the White Wolves’ lead, before Taremi struck again seven minutes from full-time.
The 58th-ranked Uzbeks will also qualify for the World Cup finals if the United Arab Emirates lose to North Korea later on Tuesday.
Iran joins Japan and New Zealand as the teams to have qualified so far, along with the hosts, USA, Canada, and Mexico.
