Oman today_ Iran’s national football team entered the CAFA final against Uzbekistan with hopes of repeating their triumph from two years ago. However, an early red card for Arya Yousefi before the second minute and the forced substitution of Shahriar Moghanlou quickly complicated matters for Amir Ghalenoei’s side. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Iran created several dangerous chances, but two key VAR decisions went against them: a penalty on Hossein Kanaani was overturned, and a red card for an Uzbek player was downgraded to a yellow. That same player went on to score the decisive header in the 120th minute, securing the trophy for Uzbekistan.
After the match, FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited Iran’s locker room. Referring to recent tensions between Iran and the United States, he assured the players that Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup in the U.S. is guaranteed. Infantino praised the team as a source of pride for their country and recalled Iran’s historic victory against Wales in Qatar, before concluding: “Welcome to the World Cup in the United States. As FIFA President, I guarantee it.”
Uzbekistan’s Victory and FIFA’s Guarantee of Iran’s Participation in the World Cup
