Uzbekistan qualify for World Cup for first time

Uzbekistan, one of the fastest-rising national teams in Asia, kept their hosts at bay in the Emirati capital to seal the second automatic spot in Group A and make history. Iran, who take on Qatar later on Thursday, have already secured their place in next year's tournament in North America.

The UAE, who had Cosmin Olaroiu taking charge for the first time having last month replaced Paulo Bento as manager, must now contest a further round of qualifying. The top two teams in each of the three Asian groups go straight to the World Cup, while those finishing third and fourth enter a fourth round of qualifiers.

Jordan are on the verge of joining Uzbekistan at a first World Cup courtesy of a superb 3-0 victory against Oman in Muscat. Ali Olwan scored all three goals to send the 2023 Asian Cup runners-up to the top of the group.

They now lead second-placed South Korea on goal difference, with the perennial World Cup qualifiers still to play third-placed Iraq on Thursday. Jordan welcome Iraq to Amman in five days' time in the third round's final set of fixtures. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia defeated Bahrain 2-0 in Riffa to tee up a showdown with Australia for the second automatic spot in Group C.