World Cup Qualifying - Asia | Third Round

Mar 20, 2025 at 12am UK

Azadi Stadium, Tehran

Iran vs UAE

Match preview

Amir Ghalenoei's Iran have won five and drawn one of their six Group A matches and are on a three-match winning streak ahead of their return to action in midweek.

In their last outing, Team Melli beat Kyrgyzstan 3-2 away from home, but the coach will be concerned that his side squandered a two-goal lead and needed a Sardar Azmoun winner to snatch what should have been an easy victory.

Nevertheless, the win kept Ghalenoei's side three points clear at the top of the standings, although with second-placed Uzbekistan likely to beat the White Falcons in their own backyard, Iran will know the importance of making the most of Thursday's game.

Also in the hosts' favour is the strength of their home record, and with just one defeat on their own turf since 2022, they look well positioned for another positive result.

However, Team Melli have conceded two goals in each of their last two games, and given that both of those defeats came against the weakest sides in Group A, their forwards will need to be firing on all cylinders if they are to win in midweek.

Paulo Bento's UAE, meanwhile, go into Thursday's clash on the back of a three-match winless streak, although they have performed better in World Cup qualifying than in other competitions.

Most recently, Al Abyad were held to a draw by Oman in the Gulf Cup of Nations after losing to Kuwait, but they have won their last two Group A matches, including an impressive 5-0 thrashing of Qatar in November.

That victory left Bento's men third on 10 points, three behind Uzbekistan, who occupy one of the automatic qualification spots.

If the visitors are to catch the White Wolves on Thursday, they will need to get back to winning ways away from home after failing to win in either of their last two outings, but having won three of their four Group A away games, they will feel confident of getting something out of the game against the leaders.

Recent Performance

Iran World Cup Qualifying - Asia form:WWDWWW

United Arab Emirates World Cup Qualifying - Asia form:WLDLWW

United Arab Emirates form (all competitions):LWWDLD

Team News

Iran will welcome back centre-back Shoja Khalilzadeh after he served a suspension against Kyrgyzstan last time out.

With the defence conceding goals in his absence, expect the boss to partner him with Ali Nemati as he looks to plug the holes at the back.

The UAE will have a suspended player of their own back this week, with centre-back Kouame Autonne Kouadio available after missing the Gulf Cup of Nations clash with Oman.

That means Mohamed Omar Al Attas should make way for the defender to join Khalifa Al-Hammadi in front of goalkeeper Khalid Eisa.

Possible starting lineup

Iran possible starting lineup:

Beiranvand; Hardani, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Mohammadi; Karimi, Ezatolahi; Gholizadeh, Taremi, Mohebi; Azmoun

United Arab Emirates possible starting lineup:

Eisa; Aldhanhani, Al-Hammadi, Al Attas, Meloni; Nader, Hunt; Abdullah, Lima, Alghassani; Oliveira