Iran vs UAE 2026 World Cup qualifier sets new soccer record

A 2-0 win for Iran at home to the United Arab Emirates at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran edged Team Melli towards a place at the 2026 World Cup which will be staged in Mexico, Canada and the USA next year.

Goals from Azmoun and Mohebi secured the win that saw Iran move to 19 points in their group and are on the cusp of securing their place at their fourth consecutive World Cup.

However, the game will be remembered for being the highest profile football match with the longest ever recorded stoppage time as referee Ko Hyung-Jin of Korea awarded 29 minutes extra at the end of the first half.

Torrential rain storms buffeted the Azadi Stadium, forcing the match to be stopped several times. The pitch was flooded and constantly repaired, generating temporary stoppages with the time wasted later made up by the match official.

The referee, however, did not declare the match postponed or abandoned at any point and simply allowed time to run naturally.

During that extra half hour played in the first half, Iran bagged the opening goal with Azmoun finding the net in the 45+27th minute of the contest!

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