TEHRAN (Iran News) –Eighteen nations were divided into three groups, with eight confirmed places and a possible additional spot via a playoff on offer for Asia at the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, the-afc.com reported.

*Uzbekistan vs Iran
Uzbekistan team look determined to make amends this time as they put on a good showing in the second round, winning four matches and only dropping points against Iran twice – Igor Sergeev rescuing a 2-2 draw for the White Wolves in Tashkent before they settled for a goalless stalemate in the return fixture on the final matchday.

The two familiar foes will meet again in the third round and Srecko Katanec’s side will believe they can go one better this time around when they welcome Team Melli to the Uzbek capital on Matchday Three with a win likely to hand them a huge fillip in their bid to reach their dream of a World Cup berth.

*Iran vs Qatar
Matchday Four in the third round will witness another rematch of an AFC Asian Cup 2023 semi-final as Iran hosts Qatar at the colossal Azadi Stadium in Tehran on October 15. It was host Qatar who got the important win earlier in the year but only after Almoez Ali scored in the 82nd minute to hand the Maroons a 3-2 victory in the last-four clash.

Having successfully defended their continental crown by beating Jordan 3-1, Qatar now faces the challenge of making it to their first World Cup through the qualifiers and not as host. Marquez Lopez’s side posted five wins, and a goalless draw against Afghanistan, in the second round and will once again rely on Ali and Akram Afif to take them to the milestone.

Team Melli, meanwhile, won four and drew twice in the second round to progress as group winners and will hope to replicate their form from the third round of 2022 qualifiers where they finished above Korea Republic with a record of eight wins, a draw and a loss. And there is no doubting that their fans will be fully behind the team when they face their biggest challenge on the Road to 26 in Tehran on Matchday Four.