Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi scored two goals to level with Uzbekistan to give Iran its qualifying point for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The quadrennial international men’s football championship next year will feature 48 national teams and is set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Making this the first World Cup since 2022 to be hosted by multiple nations, the tournament would also be the first to have 48 teams battle it out, expanded from its usual count of 32.
Iran qualifying for the World Cup comes during a time of heightened tensions between the Middle Eastern country and the US after American president Donald Trump linked Houthi rebels in Yemen to Iran.
Trump went on to warn Tehran that the country might face the consequences of further Houthi attacks.
Iran took away Uzbekistan’s chances for qualifying from Group A, despite Khojimat Erkinov starting the Uzbek account in the 17th minute. Taremi brought balance seven minutes into the second half, but Abbosbek Fayzullaev quickly clawed back the Uzbekistan lead.
Taremi took his time but finally helped Iran tide it out with a goal after the 83rd minute.
Elsewhere, Egypt and Morocco booked their World Cup berths after their respective wins over Sierra Leone and Tanzania.
Out of the 48 slots, 43 teams will qualify through group stages and the processes in each continent. Another two will go to the winners of the international playoffs in March 2026 featuring six teams.
For Asia, there are 8 direct slots and 1 intercontinental playoff berth. Africa has 9 direct and 1 playoff slot, while South America has 6 direct spots and 1 playoff berth. North and Central Americas, along with the Caribbean, have 3 direct slots and another 2 in the playoffs. Oceania has one slot each directly and in playoffs.
So far, the following have qualified for the 2026 World Cup:
United States, Mexico, Canada (auto-qualified as hosts)
Japan (beat Bahrain 2-0 on March 20)
Iran (drew 2-2 with Uzbekistan on March 25)
New Zealand (beat New Caledonia 3-0 on March 24)
Argentina (Bolivia drew with Uruguay on March 25, sending Argentina ahead)
