Iran secured its place in the 2026 World Cup as Mehdi Taremi netted two crucial goals in a 2-2 tie against Uzbekistan on Tuesday. The match, held in Tehran, saw Taremi, playing for Inter Milan, make his second mark in the 83rd minute, ensuring Iran’s qualification for their fourth consecutive World Cup and seventh total appearance. This event will take place in a historic 48-team tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Uzbekistan, trailing Iran by two points in Group A with only two matches left, had the chance to qualify for their first-ever World Cup with a win at the Azadi Stadium. Those hopes were temporarily raised when Khojimat Erkinov scored after 16 minutes. However, Taremi brought Iran back on even terms early in the second half, launching a powerful volley from the edge of the area that was impossible to stop. Soon after, Abbosbek Fayzullaev reinstated Uzbekistan’s edge, but Taremi’s close-range shot secured Iran’s World Cup spot. Iran will now aim to advance past the group stages, a feat they have not yet achieved.
Meanwhile, the Socceroos are edging closer to securing their World Cup spot after a decisive 2-0 victory over China in Hangzhou, which also dashed the host’s chances for automatic qualification. Jackson Irvine and Nishan Velupillay’s first-half goals sealed the win for Australia. With two remaining third-round matches in Group C, Australia holds a three-point lead over third-placed Saudi Arabia, which managed a 0-0 draw with already-qualified Japan.
The top two teams from each of Asia’s six-member groups automatically qualify, while third and fourth spots move forward to another qualification round for two additional places. Irvine, having scored twice in a previous 5-1 victory against Indonesia, again found the net within 16 minutes by bending a shot into the corner past a crowded defense. Shortly after, a fumble from China’s goalkeeper Wang Dalei allowed Velupillay’s shot to trickle over the line. Since their 2002 debut, China has yet to return to the World Cup and remains at the bottom of their group.
Saudi Arabia remains in contention for a seventh World Cup appearance following a gritty match in Japan, where they defended to secure a goalless draw despite Japanese domination at Saitama Stadium.
In Group B, South Korea remains the leader but encountered another setback, drawing 1-1 at home to Jordan. An early goal from Lee Jae-sung, who capitalized on Son Heung-min’s corner, had put South Korea ahead within six minutes. However, Mahmoud Al-Mardi equalized for Jordan after 30 minutes with a deflected shot. South Korea, commanding 16 points, stands three points above Jordan, while Iraq, facing Palestine later, holds 12 points.