UAE vs Iran Preview & Prediction | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (AFC) | Group A
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With goal difference keeping them off top spot in Group A, Iran will want to rectify that by not only winning against the UAE, but winning well.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: UK – 5:00pm / US ET – 12:00pm / US PT – 9:00am
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Not televised / US – Not televised
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Bet365 & FIFA+ / US – FIFA+
UAE PREVIEW: TOP OF GROUP A FOLLOWING LATE SHOW IN QATAR
UAE head into this match knowing that avoiding defeat would be enough for them to remain top of their group after two rounds of FIFA World Cup qualification fixtures. Iran though, represent arguably the toughest test they will face across round three of this qualifying stage, so UAE have their work cut out.
Their squad’s fitness levels and ability to keep driving on saw them thoroughly rewarded last time out against Qatar. After trailing by a goal to nil, UAE rallied in the second half, equalising before scoring twice across the last ten minutes plus stoppage time to seal a 1-3 victory.
IRAN PREVIEW: GOING FOR TWO WINS IN A ROW
Mehdi Taremi’s goal proved to be enough for Iran to get the better of Kyrgyzstan in Fuladshahr. The Inter Milan striker found the net after 34 minutes, but for that to be the only goal of the game will have been a source of frustration for Iran, who recorded 20 shots on goal across 90 minutes, with only three of those being on target.
Clearly Iran are looking to show more cutting edge on this occasion and they’ll more than likely need to against a stronger attacking side than Kyrgyzstan, who could well punish the same level of wastefulness.
UAE TEAM NEWS: UAE EXPECTED TO NAME SAME TEAM AS THURSDAY
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Eisa; Ebraheim, Al Hammadi, Kouadio, Idrees; Suhail, Hamad, Nader, Al Ghassani; Al-Zaabi; Canedo
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
IRAN TEAM NEWS: VETERAN AZMOUN TO PARTNER TAREMI AGAIN UP TOP
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Beiranvand; Yousefi, Hazbavi, Khalilzadeh, Mohammadi; Gholizadeh, Ghoddos, Noorafkan, Torabi; Taremi, Azmoun
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
UAE VS IRAN PREDICTION
The big challenge for Iran heading into this one will be not just settling for a one-goal victory. They’ll want to show the strength of their squad and the pedigree of the first-choice players within the Iranian starting line-up. UAE boasts an impressive attack, underlined by them scoring three vs Qatar. However, they don’t want a player of Mehdi Taremi’s ability when it comes to potency in front of goal. Whether it be for club or country, Taremi can always be relied on for a goal and is well worth backing to score anytime against UAE.
UAE VS IRAN TIP: MEHDI TAREMI TO SCORE ANYTIME
