Historic! Uzbekistan qualifies for the World Cup for the first time in its eighth attempt, after a 0-0 draw against the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi. Australia and Jordan are also on the verge of securing their place in the competition to be held in North America.
Goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov was key, making three crucial saves in the second half, securing Uzbekistan’s qualification, which marks their first participation since the country gained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Uzbekistan joins Japan, New Zealand, Iran, and Argentina as the fourth team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The United States, Canada, and Mexico, as co-hosts, already have their spots secured.
The draw means that the United Arab Emirates will advance to the fourth round of qualification, as the point obtained guarantees a third or fourth place in Group A. Musab Al-Juwayr and Abdulrahman Al-Obud’s goals gave Saudi Arabia the victory, postponing Australia’s celebrations until both nations meet in Jeddah on Tuesday.
Australia’s goal difference is far superior, meaning they could lose to Saudi Arabia by up to four goals and still advance to their sixth consecutive World Cup final as runners-up, behind Japan.
Jordan is also close to qualification, thanks to Ali Olwan’s hat-trick in the 3-0 victory over Oman in Muscat, leaving Jamal Sellami’s team waiting for the result of the match between South Korea and Iraq in Basra, in Group B.Indonesia secured its participation in the preliminary rounds of the World Cup, with a 1-0 victory over China, which also ended the qualification hopes of Branko Ivankovic’s team.
A penalty by Ole Romeny in the 45th minute separated the teams in Jakarta, ensuring that Indonesia finished in third or fourth place in Group C, thus advancing to the next phase, which will be played in October.
