IR Iran vs UAE Preview & Prediction | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (AFC)

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Iran have played at each of the last three FIFA World Cups and are looking to make it a sixth qualification in eight tournaments as they take on an improving United Arab Emirates side.

Kick-off date/time: Thursday 20th March, 2025: UK – 4:00pm / 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+

Key Stats

IR Iran have won 16 of the previous 20 international matches between these two teams (D3 L1). The only defeat was a 3-1 loss in a friendly match in Abu Dhabi in September 1997.
IR Iran have won seven international matches in a row against the United Arab Emirates, since a 1-1 draw in a World Cup qualifying encounter in Dubai in November 2008.
IR Iran are unbeaten in their last 13 World Cup qualifying matches (W10 D3).
IR Iran have lost only one of their last 26 World Cup qualifying matches (W21 D4).
IR Iran have lost only one of their last 29 international matches (W23 D5).
The United Arab Emirates have lost only two of their previous 12 matches in the current World Cup qualifying campaign (W8 D2).
The United Arab Emirates have kept six clean sheets in their previous 12 matches in the current World Cup qualifying campaign.

IR Iran vs UAE Prediction

Iran do have some impressive players within their current squad as they begin the seventh match day of the third round of AFC qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the top of Group A, whilst the UAE are chasing a top two spot and automatic qualification themselves.

The Iranians come into this one on the back of a hard-fought 3-2 defeat of the Kyrgyz Republic at the Spartak Stadium in the November international break in which key strikers Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun got themselves on the scoresheet. That was their fifth victory of this stage of qualification, collecting 16 points from their six matches so far.

They now face a United Arab Emirates side that, under the management of former Portugal and South Korea boss Paulo Bento, begin the match day sitting three points behind Uzbekistan, who are second, and six adrift of their upcoming opponents Iran. Their most recent qualifier saw them hammer Qatar by five goals to nil in November.

The UAE have a good coach and remain potent in attack with Fabio Lima but Iran will remain favourites, especially with the home advantage of playing at the Azadi Sports Complex.

IR Iran vs UAE Tip: IR Iran to win & both teams to score