Uzbekistan qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time at the eighth attempt after a 0-0 draw with the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

Goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov made a trio of second-half saves to ensure the Uzbeks picked up the point required to secure progress from Asian Group A alongside Iran, who have already qualified.

Abbosbek Fayzullaev had hit the crossbar with a 54th-minute header for the visitors, but it was Yusupov who frustrated the Cosmin Olaroiu-coached Emiratis, who needed to win to maintain their hopes of automatic qualification.

Before the start of the tenth round, Uzbekistan had accumulated 18 points, 4 points ahead of the UAE, so they qualified for the 2026 World Cup one round in advance.

UAE will now progress to the fourth round of qualifying as the point earned guarantees a third- or fourth-placed finish in Group A.

Khusanov (Manchester City), Shomurodov (Roma), Fayzullaev (CSKA Moscow) and other players who play in Europe will have their first World Cup experience.