Iran booked their place in the 2026 World Cup following a 2-2 home draw against Uzbekistan at Tehran's Azadi Stadium on Tuesday.
Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi scored twice in the second half as Iran secured their place in the finals for a fourth consecutive time and seventh in total.
Uzbekistan took the lead after Khojimat Erkinov scored in the 16th minute but Taremi levelled in the 52nd minute.
A minute later, however, Abbosbek Fayzullaev made it 2-1 for the White Wolves who have never reached a World Cup.
But Taremi's second goal, seven minutes from the end, secured the point Iran needed to ensure their place in the 2026 showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Iranian striker expressed his "happiness" with the result but admitted his team had "tactical problems" after conceding twice.
"We have to thank the fans who filled the stadium today, and thank God they did not leave empty-handed," captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh said post-match.
Iran are top of Group A in Asia with 20 points, three ahead of Uzbekistan.
Tuesday's result means Iran are guaranteed to finish in the top two of Group A in the third qualifying of AFC qualifying, earning them passage to the team's fourth World Cup finals in a row, and seventh in their history. It stands as a major accomplishment for Iran, even as qualifying from Asia has been made easier thanks to the World Cup's newly expanded, 48-team format.
The 58th-ranked Uzbeks will also qualify for the World Cup finals if the United Arab Emirates lose to North Korea later Tuesday.
However, the country's current relations with the United States, which will be host the bulk of the tournament's games, could make it hard, if not impossible for Iran's fans and potentially even players and staff, to travel to the country for the games.
In a recent memo, the issuing of which was reported by Reuters, Iran was listed among 41 countries that would face partial or complete bans on citizens entering the United States by the Donald Trump administration. Iran specifically is listed among a group of 10 countries, including Afghanistan, Syria, Cuba and North Korea, that would be set for a full visa suspension.
The 2026 tournament will feature 48 teams, up from 32.
Iran join Japan and New Zealand as the teams to have so far qualified along with the hosts.
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