Iran vs United Arab Emirates Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | World Cup Qualifiers

Iran vs United Arab Emirates Preview

Tournament: WC Qualifiers Africa

Date: March 20, 2025

Kick-off Time: 4:00 PM GMT

Venue: Azadi Sports Complex

Iran will look to continue their splendid run of form in the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a home clash against the United Arab Emirates. The hosts sit comfortably at the top of Group A with five wins and a draw in six outings so far. They have won three games on the trot in the build-up to this clash and are well on their way to confirming their booking at the World Cup. Team Melli will look to capitalise on their dominant record having pulled off 16 wins in their last 20 meetings against the UAE. With four goals, Mohammad Mohebi is their top scorer in the third round.

UAE on the other hand will not be an easy nut to crack. The away side is expected to turn up the ante and go next to next against Iran. The Whites have won three, lost two and drawn one in six games so far and currently occupy the third position in the standings. Paulo Bento’s men are just short of three points from breaking into the top two. They put up a convincing performance in their last game against Iran but ended up facing a narrow 0-1 defeat at home. Fábio Lima is the highest goalscorer for the UAE in the third round with four goals.

Iran Team News

Iran’s centre-back Shoja Khalilzadeh will return to the lineup after serving a suspension against Kyrgyzstan in the last game. The remainder of the squad is fully fit and available.

United Arab Emirates Team News

UAE will welcome centre-back Kouame Autonne Kouadio who also served a suspension in the previous game.

Iran vs United Arab Emirates Predicted Lineups

Iran Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Beiranvand

Defenders: Hardani, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Mohammadi

Midfielders: Karimi, Ezatolahi; Gholizadeh, Taremi, Mohebi

Forwards: Azmoun

United Arab Emirates Predicted Lineup (3-4-3):

Goalkeeper: Eisa

Defenders: Aldhanhani, Al-Hammadi, Al Attas, Meloni

Midfielders: Nader, Hunt; Abdullah, Lima, Alghassani

Forwards: Oliveira

Iran vs United Arab Emirates Head-to-Head Record

Iran has won all of their last five games against the UAE.

Key Players to Watch in Iran vs United Arab Emirates

Mohammad Mohebi (Iran)

Mohammad Mohebi has been one of the most impactful players for Iran in the third round of qualifiers. Mohebi has been the driving force behind Iran’s flawless run and their dominance in Group A. He is their leading goal-getter with four strikes to his name. His high pressing and attacking instincts on the flanks will come in handy for Iran.

Fabio Lima (United Arab Emirates)

Fabio Lima has put in multiple magical performances for the UAE across various qualifier games and will be expected to do the same against Iran. His playmaking skills combined with his pace and vision make him an important asset for the UAE. He has scored four out of 12 goals for the UAE in the third round.

Iran vs United Arab Emirates Prediction

Iran has not lost a single game against the UAE in their last five meetings. Therefore, we expect the home side to emerge victorious and add three more points to their tally.

Predicted Score: Iran 2-1 United Arab Emirates

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