World Cup Qualifying - Asia | Third Round

Mar 25, 2025 at 12am UK

Azadi Stadium, Tehran

Iran vs Uzbekistan

Match preview

The hosts were dominant against the UAE, creating four good chances while preventing their opponents from creating any of their own.

Iran have been excellent in front of goal for some time now, finding the net 12 times in their last four matches.

Coach Amir Ghalenoei's side were held to a goalless draw by Uzbekistan in the reverse fixture on 10 October, although they deserve credit for holding on for a point after being reduced to 10 men in the 57th minute.

Team Melli are unbeaten in 11 matches, winning nine of them, and have won their last four.

Iran have also been outstanding at home, winning 13 of their last 15 matches and losing just once.

As for Uzbekistan, they ran out 1-0 winners over Kyrgyzstan on 20 March, taking advantage of their opponents being reduced to 10 men from the 24th minute.

Goals have been hard to come by for the visitors, who have scored just five times in their last six matches, two of which have failed to find the back of the net.

Manager Timur Kapadze will be aware that a draw could be enough to secure automatic qualification for next year's finals, given that they are six points clear of third-placed United Arab Emirates with just two games remaining, but victory would all but guarantee qualification.

The White Wolves are on a three-match unbeaten run, winning two of those, and have won six of their last nine matches.

Uzbekistan have a strong record away from home, having lost just twice in their last 13 away matches, with eight of those victories coming on the road.

Recent Performance

Iran World Cup Qualifying - Asia form:WDWWWW

Uzbekistan World Cup Qualifying - Asia form:WDWLWW

Uzbekistan form (all competitions):DWLWDW

Team News

The hosts could field a back four of Saleh Hardani, Hossein Kanaani, Shoja Khalilzadeh and Milad Mohammadi in front of goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.

Roozbeh Cheshmi and Saman Ghoddos could form a double pivot, while striker Sardar Azmoun could be supported by attacking midfielder Mehdi Ghayedi.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan could start midfielders Otabeck Shukurov and Odildzhon Khamrobekov ahead of centre-backs Abdulla Abdullaev, Abdukodir Khusanov and Rustam Ashurmatov.

Striker Eldor Shomurodov is certain to feature on Tuesday and could be flanked by wingers Abbosbek Fayzullaev and Jaloliddin Masharipov.

Possible starting lineup

Iran possible starting lineup:

Beiranvand; Hardani, Kanaani, Khalilzadeh, Mohammadi; Cheshmi, Ghoddos; Jahanbakhsh, Ghayedi, Mohebi; Azmoun

Uzbekistan possible starting lineup:

Yusupov; Abdullaev, Khusanov, Ashurmatov; Alizhonov, Shukurov, Khamrobekov, Sayfiev; Fayzullaev, Shomurodov, Masharipov