Iran, with Swedish-born Saman Ghoddos on the team, is clear for the Football World Championship in the USA, Mexico, and Canada next year.
Iran, ranked 18th in the world, secured the playoff ticket after playing 2–2 at home in Tehran against Uzbekistan in the Asian World Championship qualifier. Inter striker Mehdi Taremi scored both of Iran's goals.
31-year-old Ghoddos – born in Malmö, previously with Östersunds FK, among others, but now with Kalba in the United Arab Emirates – played the entire match on Iran's midfield.
Besides the three host nations, Iran, Japan, and New Zealand have qualified for the World Championship finals, which will take place in the summer of 2026.
