Iran to begin World Cup qualifies against Hong Kong, Uzbekistan
Iran will begin its quest for a place in the 2026 World Cup – to be staged across Canada, Mexico, and the United States – with a game against Hong Kong at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium today in Group E of the Asian qualifiers.
Iran head coach Amir Qalenoei will have a final insight into his assets during this week’s international break before the country heads to Qatar for January’s AFC Asian Cup.
The Asian powerhouse will then visit Tashkent to take on Uzbekistan at the Milliy Stadium on Tuesday.
Qalenoei will hope to have his prolific striker Mahdi Taremi back to his best form ahead of the event in Qatar, after the Porto talisman got off to slow start in the new season, scoring three in 15 appearances for the Portuguese giant in all competitions.
Sardar Azmoun also joined up with the rest of the Iranian squad on Tuesday fresh from bagging his first goal for AS Roma in a 2-1 victory over Lecce in the Serie A less than a fortnight ago.
Iran will again play Hong Kong in Group C of the Asian Cup, also featuring Palestine and the United Arab Emirates, as the three-time champion will be chasing a first trophy since 1976 – the last time Iran went past the semifinals at the continent’s flagship international tournament.