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

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Both of these sides will believe they will be at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Iran able to seal their spot at the tournament this week but the same can also be said for Uzbekistan.

Kick-off date/time: Tuesday 25th 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 lost only one of their previous 14 international matches between these teams (W9 D4). Uzbekistan’s only victory was a 1-0 win in a World Cup qualifying match in Tehran in November 2012.
All the previous three matches between IR Iran and Uzbekistan in the current World Cup qualifying campaign finished as draws.
IR Iran are unbeaten in their last 14 World Cup qualifying matches (W11 D3).
IR Iran are unbeaten in their last 21 World Cup qualifying matches at home (W18 D3). Since a 0-1 defeat against Uzbekistan in November 2012.
IR Iran have lost only one of their last 30 international matches (W24 D5).
IR Iran have not conceded a goal in their last eight World Cup qualifying matches at home.
Uzbekistan have lost only one of their previous 13 matches in the current World Cup qualifying campaign (W9 D3).
Uzbekistan have kept 11clean sheets in their last 17 World Cup qualifying matches.

Iran vs Uzbekistan Prediction

Both of these sides head into the eighth match day of the third round of AFC’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a chance that they can both qualify after impressive campaigns thus far from both Iran and Uzbekistan.

The Iranians, who have an impressive attack that consists of the likes of Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun, come into this one on the back of a comfortable 2-0 defeat of the United Arab Emirates at the Azadi Sports Complex the other day thanks to goals from the aforementioned Azmoun as well as one from Mohammad Mohebi.

The Uzbeks have been developing all levels of football in recent years, and particularly at youth level, but with the emergence of the likes of Abdukodir Khusanov and Eldor Shomurodov, they have become serious contenders at senior level, too. They most recently defeated ten man Kyrgyz Republic thanks to a 40th minute strike from Khojiakbar Alijonov.

Iran and Uzbekistan are two sides sensing the opportunity to wrap up FIFA World Cup qualification nice and early with both teams scoring looking a good bet for this one.

Iran vs Uzbekistan Tip: Both teams to score