Inter striker Taremi the hero as Iran qualify for 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

Inter centre-forward Mehdi Taremi was the hero for Iran, scoring two goals in a thriller with Uzbekistan to secure 2026 World Cup qualification.

While the European qualifiers are just getting started, Iran became the sixth nation to secure their place in the tournament.

They will join co-hosts the USA, Canada and Mexico, plus Japan and New Zealand.

Taremi inspires Iran comeback

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 01: Mehdi Taremi of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between FC Internazionale Milano and FK Crvena Zvezda at Stadio San Siro on October 01, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Iran had been trailing twice at home to Uzbekistan with goals from Khojimat Erkinov and Abbosbek Fayzullaev.

However, Inter striker Taremi got two goals to complete the double comeback and grab a precious 2-2 draw.

The first goal was particularly spectacular, a ferocious volley into the roof of the net from just inside the penalty area.

The 32-year-old has found the net three times with six assists in 34 competitive appearances for Inter so far this season.

Italy will begin their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in Norway on June 6.

They are in Group I along with Moldova, Israel and Estonia.