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).
French Open champion Gauff knocked out by Potapova in third round
Sabalenka sees off Kasatkina to reach French Open fourth round
Parry stuns Anisimova to reach first Grand Slam fourth round at French Open
Osaka survives three-set scare against teenager Jovic
Cobolli cruises past Tien in straight sets to snap American's winning run
