Uzbekistan, Iran to Battle for Leading Group A

Both teams are tied on six points after opening their campaigns with two wins, with Uzbekistan leading the standings on goal difference.

Srecko Katanec's Uzbekistan will be determined to avoid a slow start, having had to come from behind to force a 2-2 draw the last time the two teams met in Tashkent in the Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.

The reverse fixture ended in a goalless draw with Iran going on to top the group but Uzbekistan, seeking to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time, will be determined to maximize home ground advantage this time around.

Their opening wins mean both have a three-point lead over the United Arab Emirates and another three points on Thursday will be a tremendous boost to their qualification hopes - with the top two sides to earn automatic qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Katanec has named a strong squad for the matches against Iran and UAE, which follows on Tuesday, and Uzbekistan will know that it will be well on course to book its ticket to the global showpiece if it takes all six points.

Iran, however, will have similar designs as it seeks a fourth consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup.

While not at their free-flowing best against Kyrgyzstan and UAE, the Central Asian side secured 1-0 wins and will be focused on winning, rather than performance, against Uzbekistan and Qatar, its Matchday Four opponents.

Amir Ghalenoei has named an impressive looking squad, with the likes of Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun to lead their attack.

Taremi has been making regular appearances for Italian side Inter Milan while Azmoun has settled in well at the UAE Pro League side Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai, with the striker already on five goals five matches into the season.