Iran's Joy Adds Spice to Finals

West Asian side make it to World Cup in North America; Son blasts poor home pitch

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DUBAI - Iran became the second Asian side to secure their place at the 2026 World Cup after twice coming from behind to draw 2-2 with Uzbekistan in Tehran on March 25, handing the organisers a likely diplomatic headache.

Iran, the second-highest ranked Asian Football Confederation side in the Fifa standings, needed only a point to join Japan in qualifying for the Finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

They will, however, head to North America with relations strained as US President Donald Trump takes a hard line over opening new nuclear talks with Tehran.

The Group A leaders (20 points) were made to work hard at the Azadi Stadium by Uzbekistan, with Mehdi Taremi scoring seven minutes from time — his second of the match — to seal the point.

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

Seeking to qualify for a first World Cup, Uzbekistan opened the scoring on 16 minutes through Khojimat Erkinov, before Inter Milan striker Taremi scored his first of the night shortly after half-time.

Parity lasted only one minute, with Abbosbek Fayzullaev restoring Uzbekistan's lead.

Again, Taremi was the man to pull his team back into the game and ultimately book a spot in North America, when the 32-year-old finished past goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov late on.