Iran become third non-host nation to seal 2026 World Cup qualification

Iran have become the third team to clinch a qualification place for the 2026 World Cup, having drawn 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan in Tehran on Tuesday.

Japan became the first team – other than co-hosts the United States, Mexico and Canada – to seal their place at next year’s tournament last week, with New Zealand joining them on Monday.

Iran only needed a point from their eighth game in Group A of the AFC qualification process to qualify for a fourth straight edition of the tournament, and Mehdi Taremi’s brace ensured they achieved the result they required.

The Inter striker twice equalised after Hojimat Erkinov and Abbosbek Fayzullaev struck to put Uzbekistan – who are second in Group A and also on course to qualify – in the lead.

IR Iran have qualified for #FIFAWorldCup 26!#WeAre26

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) March 25, 2025

The 2026 tournament will be the first to feature 48 teams, with Iran taking part for the seventh time.

They have not made it beyond the first round in their six previous appearances, with their only three victories coming against the United States in 1998, Morocco in 2018 and Wales in 2022.