Iran secures 2-0 win over UAE in 2026 World Cup qualifier

Iran Defeats UAE 2-0 in Crucial World Cup Qualifier

Iran strengthens its lead in Group A with a crucial win, while the UAE’s qualification hopes fade further.

On March 20, 2025, the UAE national football team lost 2-0 to Iran in the seventh round of the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers at Azadi Stadium in Tehran.

Iran’s Sardar Azmoun was outstanding, scoring the first goal in the 72nd minute following a 26-minute delay brought on by poor lighting. Iran’s supremacy was established in the 70th minute when Mohammad Mohebi gave them the lead.

Sardar Azmoun shined for Iran, netting the first goal in the 72nd minute after a 26-minute delay due to lighting issues.Iran’s supremacy was established in the 70th minute when Mohammad Mohebi gave them the lead.

Heading into the match, Iran was leading the group with five wins and a draw, while UAE had a mixed record of three wins, one draw, and two losses. Iran only needed a draw to advance, whereas UAE was desperate for a win to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

Heading into the match, Iran was leading the group with five wins and a draw, while UAE had a mixed record of three wins, one draw, and two losses. Iran only needed a draw to advance, whereas UAE was desperate for a win to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

Ali Saeed Al Kaabi and Montaser Al Azhari provided commentary for the match, which began at 6:00 PM Cairo time and was broadcast on beIN Sports HD 3 and Alkass Seven HD. After the UAE had lost four of their previous five meetings with Iran, including one that ended in a draw, supporters were anxious to see if they could snap their losing run.

UAE coach Paulo Bento’s starting XI included Khalid Essa in goal, defenders Walid Abbas, Khalifa Hamadi, Khalid Al-Dhanhani, and Ali Salmin. The midfield featured Abdullah Ramadan, Tahnoon Al-Zaabi, and Yahya Nader, while the attacking trio consisted of Caio Canedo, Ali Mabkhout, and Yahya Al-Ghassani.

Iran, under coach Amir Ghalenoi, started with defenders Ehsan Haji-Safi, Morteza Pouraliganji, Majid Hosseini, and Ramin Rezaeian in addition to goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand. The attacking combination of Mehdi Taremi and Azmoun, who were a continual threat to the UAE’s defense, were supported by the midfield trio of Saeid Ezatolahi, Ahmad Noorollahi, and Saman Ghoddos.

The UAE now faces fierce competition in the qualifiers as a result of this loss. To maintain their prospects of qualifying, they will need to promptly fix their defensive errors and lack of scoring opportunities in the forthcoming games.

Iran, meanwhile, is optimistic about making it to the final qualifiers and is on track to earn a spot in the 2026 World Cup after this significant victory.