The UAE take on Iran on Thursday in a crunch World Cup 2026 qualifier in Tehran. A win for Paulo Bento’s side will keep the UAE in contention to qualify for the global showcase, being held in the USA, Mexico and Canada next year.
The UAE currently sit third in Group A, three points behind Uzbekistan and six points behind table-toppers Iran, with four games to play.
The top two teams from the group will qualify automatically, while the third and fourth placed teams from each group will enter into a six-team fourth round of qualifiers.
The UAE go into the match having won their last two group games against Qatar (5-0) and Kyrgyzstan (3-0).

Jordan qualifies for the FIFA Arab Cup final
Sharjah Warriorz make it two in two with 11-run win over Gulf Giants
Bournemouth rescue draw with Man United in eight-goal thriller
Morocco beat UAE to reach FIFA Arab Cup final
Mid East Falcons win inaugural United Series Championship in Dubai