Iran will host UAE in their third-round match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Qualifiers in Tehran on Thursday. Here are the live streaming and other details of the IRN Vs UAE football match
Iran will host the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a high-profile FIFA World Cup 2026, AFC third-round qualifying group match at the iconic Azadi Stadium, Tehran on Thursday (March 20, 2025). Check the IRN vs UAE football match and telecast details here. (More Football News)
Heavily influenced by the bitter geopolitical rivalry between the two countries, the Iran vs UAE matches are often dictated by frayed nerves with off-the-field animosity spilling onto playing fields, with flag-waving fans in the stands having their say in the proceedings.
The relationship between the two Gulf nations have improved with rapprochement efforts coming from either side, but the sporting rivalry, especially in football, remains as intense as it ever was even though the head-to-head record is overwhelmingly dominated by Iran (only one defeat in some 20 meetings). Expect another round of high-intensity clashes.
Iran, undefeated so far in six outings, will move closer to sealing a direct qualification if they complete a double against their bitter rivals. Last September, Team Melli secured a hard-fought 1-0 win away in Al Ain. With five wins and one draw, Amir Ghalenoei's men sit atop the six-team table.
After the UAE fixture, Iran will take on Uzbekistan, Qatar, and North Korea. Team Melli were part of the previous three World Cups, all under legendary coach Carlos Queiroz, and they are eyeing a seventh trip to the global showpiece.
The Whites, on the contrary, are blowing hot and cold. After an emphatic 3-1 win over Qatar in their third-round opener, they have lost to Iran, played out a 1-1 draw with North Korea, and lost to Uzbekistan 1-0. But Paulo Bento's Al Abyad were brilliant in the 3-0 and 5-0 wins over Kyrgyzstan and Qatar, respectively.
The United Arab Emirates are third with 10 points, and the final stretch will decide their fate. With second-place Uzbekistan (13 points) Kyrgyzstan the same day, the UAE should not drop points before meeting North Korea, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. They are chasing a second World Cup appearance following their debut in the 1990 edition.
Iran: Beiranvand; Hardani, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Mohammadi; Karimi, Ezatolahi; Gholizadeh, Taremi, Mohebi; Azmoun.
UAE: Eisa; Aldhanhani, Al-Hammadi, Al Attas, Meloni; Nader, Hunt; Abdullah, Lima, Alghassani; Oliveira.
When to watch the Iran Vs UAE, FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Qualifiers match?
The Iran Vs UAE, FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Qualifiers match will be played at the Azadi Stadium, Tehran on Thursday, March 20, 2025. The match will start at 9:30 pm IST.
Where to watch the live streaming of the Iran Vs UAE, FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Qualifiers match?
The live streaming of the Iran Vs UAE, FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Qualifiers match will be available on the FanCode app and website.
Where to watch the live telecast of the Iran Vs UAE, FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Qualifiers match?
In Iran, the match will be live telecast on Shabake 3. In UAE, the match will be live telecast on Shoof and Dubai Sports Asia 1.