Uzbekistan secured a crucial point against Iran in a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Azadi Stadium during the 8th round of the 3rd stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
The match began with Iran pressing aggressively, but Uzbekistan struck first. In the 16th minute, Khojimat Erkinov capitalized on a well-timed pass from Farrukh Sayfiyev to put the visitors ahead.
Iran responded by increasing their attacking efforts, forcing Uzbekistan's defense into action. Their persistence paid off in the second half when Mehdi Taremi equalized in the 52nd minute after a defensive lapse.
However, Uzbekistan swiftly regained the lead just a minute later, as Abbosbek Fayzullaev’s long-range free kick from 35 meters found the net.
Iran continued to push forward, and in the 83rd minute, Taremi struck again, leveling the score at 2-2.
With this result, Uzbekistan solidified its hold on 2nd place in the group with 17 points, while Iran secured its place in the World Championship.
Match Summary
Iran 2-2 Uzbekistan
Goals:
- 0:1 – Khojimat Erkinov(16')
- 1:1 – Mehdi Taremi (52')
- 1:2 – Abbosbek Fayzullaev (53')
- 2:2 – Mehdi Taremi (83')
Starting Lineups
Iran:
Alireza Beiranvand, Saleh Hardani, Shojae Khalilzadeh, Milad Mohammadi, Saeed Ezatolahi, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mehdi Taremi, Mehdi Ghayedi, Hossein Kanaanizadegan, Saman Ghoddos, Sardar Azmoun.
Uzbekistan:
Utkir Yusupov, Khojiakbar Alijonov, Abdukodir Khusanov, Umar Eshmurodov, Rustamjon Ashurmatov, Farrukh Sayfiev, Odiljon Hamrobekov (Abdurauf Buriev, 85’), Otabek Shukurov, Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Khojimat Erkinov (Ruslanbek Jiyanov, 65’), Eldor Shomurodov.
Uzbekistan will now shift focus to its next crucial fixture as it continues the quest for a World Cup qualification.
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