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Uzbekistan secured a 0-0 draw against the UAE in Abu Dhabi while Jordan defeated Oman 3-0 to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Uzbekistan’s players celebrate after qualifying for 2026 FIFA World Cup. (AFP Photo)
Uzbekistan and Jordan made history on Thursday by qualifying for their first FIFA World Cup, joining regular participants South Korea in next year’s tournament.
Uzbekistan, one of Asia’s fastest-improving national teams, secured a 0-0 draw against the UAE in Abu Dhabi, clinching the second automatic qualifying spot in Group A. The top position remains undecided, as already-qualified Iran suffered a 1-0 defeat to Qatar in Doha.
Going into the final round of matches on Tuesday, Iran leads the group by two points over Uzbekistan.
The top two teams in each of the three Asian groups qualify directly for the World Cup. The third and fourth-placed teams – currently the UAE and Qatar in Group A – advance to a fourth qualifying round.
In Group B, South Korea secured their place in an 11th consecutive World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Iraq in Basra.
Second-half goals from Kim Jin-gyu and Oh Hyeon-gyu sealed the win, propelling South Korea back to the top of the group, ahead of Jordan. Jordan’s 3-0 win against Oman earlier on Thursday guaranteed their participation in the expanded 48-team tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II congratulated the team on social media, commending both the players and their devoted fans.
Ali Olwan scored a hat-trick for the 2023 Asian Cup runners-up as they achieved this historic milestone.
Iraq was reduced to 10 men midway through the first half when, following a VAR review, Ali Al Hamadi’s foul on Cho Yu-min resulted in a red card.
Iraq currently occupies third place in Group B, with Oman and Palestine still in contention for the fourth qualifying round spot. Palestine, who defeated Kuwait 2-0 in Ardhiya, will host Oman on Tuesday, while Iraq faces Jordan in Amman.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Australia will clash on Tuesday for the second automatic qualifying spot in Group C.
Australia remains in a favourable position following their last-gasp victory against group leaders Japan in Perth. Defender Aziz Behich scored the winning goal in the 90th minute, securing a vital 1-0 win for Tony Popovic’s side.
Popovic acknowledged the team’s potential for further development and improvement after being largely outplayed by an experimental Japan side.
Saudi Arabia maintained their hopes of securing second place with a 2-0 victory against Bahrain in Riffa. Goals from Musab Al Juwayr and Abdulrahman Al Obud ensured Herve Renard’s team stayed within three points of second-placed Australia. However, the Saudis will require a five-goal victory in Jeddah to overtake the Socceroos.
Popovic, who replaced Graham Arnold in September, expressed his determination to finish the job against Saudi Arabia.
In Group C, Patrick Kluivert’s Indonesia kept their hopes alive of reaching a first World Cup since the nation’s independence in 1945 with a 1-0 win over China. Indonesia now sits fourth in the group, one point behind Saudi Arabia. Ole Romeny scored the only goal, a controversial penalty awarded just before half-time after a VAR review. This result leaves China bottom of the group, ending their hopes of a second World Cup appearance.
With AFP Inputs
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A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you live updates, breaking news, opinions and photos from the wide world of sport. Follow @News18Sports
- Location :
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- First Published:
