Uzbekistan vs IR Iran Preview & Prediction | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (AFC) | Group A
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The current top two in Group A lock horns at Milliy Stadium in Tashkent as table-toppers Uzbekistan host Iran, who are still yet to concede in the third round of AFC qualifying.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Thursday October 8th 2024: UK – 3:00pm / US ET – 10:00am / US PT – 7:00am
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Not televised / US – Not televised
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Bet365 & FIFA+ / US – FIFA+
UZBEKISTAN PREVIEW: TOUGHEST TEST YET ON THE HORIZON
A tight 1-0 win over Korea DPR in Uzbekistan’s first group game was backed up by a far more entertaining triumph away at Kyrgyzstan. After falling behind on two occasions, Uzbekistan twice battled back and eventually took the lead with 15 minutes remaining, holding on for a massive three points.
To come from behind away from home twice is a testament to the resilience and fighting spirit of this Uzbekistan team and they are firmly in the fight for that automatic World Cup place. Although they are yet to play a side of Iran’s class.
IR IRAN PREVIEW: STILL YET TO PEAK DESPITE 100% RECORD
Although IR Iran have won both their matches played so far in Group A, it still feels like they have had the handbrake on from an attacking point of view. Their two victories have each come by a goal to nil, first against Kyrgyzstan before beating United Arab Emirates in Al Ain courtesy of a goal deep into first half stoppage time.
Mehdi Taremi scored the winning goal vs Kyrgyzstan and giving him the service that a striker of his class demands will be paramount to IR Iran succeeding in their question for a 2026 FIFA World Cup place through a top two finish in this group.
UZBEKISTAN TEAM NEWS: URUNOV AND SHOMURODOV LIKELY TO START TOGETHER UP TOP AFTER BOTH SCORING VS KYRGYZSTAN
PREDICTED XI (3-5-2): Yusupov; Alikulov, Ashurmatov, Abdullaev; Alidzhanov Khamrobekov, Shukurov, Masharipov, Nasrulloev; Urunov, Shomurodov
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
IR IRAN TEAM NEWS: IRAN COULD ALSO PLAY TWO UP TOP WITH AZMOUN POTENTIALLY REPLACING GHODDOS
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Beiranvand; Hardani, Kanaani, Khalilzadeh, Mohammadi; Jahanbakhsh, Ezatolahi, Noorafkan, Ghayedi; Azmoun, Taremi
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
UZBEKISTAN VS IR IRAN PREDICTION
Expect a tight encounter between these two high-flying nations who have conceded just two goals between them over the course of this qualification round so far. Despite the dangerous attacking players on show, both Uzbekistan and Iran’s respective backlines have proven their stability and with neither team likely to take many risks here offensively when taking into account the high stakes, a low-scoring contest should be on the cards. Regardless of the final outcome, back under 2.5 goals to be scored.
UZBEKISTAN VS IR IRAN TIP: UNDER 2.5 GOALS
