Futsal: Uzbekistan Falls to Iran in Dramatic AFC 2026 Quarterfinal

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Iran claimed a dramatic 7:4 victory over Uzbekistan in the quarterfinals of the AFC 2026 Futsal Asian Cup. Despite Uzbekistan initially holding a two-goal lead, the 13-time continental champions turned the match around, securing a spot in the semifinals, where they will face the winner of the Thailand vs. Iraq clash.

The match began well for the Uzbek team: in the first minute, Ikhtiyor Ropiev converted a penalty following a collision with Iranian goalkeeper Bager Mohammadi. Moments later, Shakram Fakhriddinov doubled the lead with a long-range shot into the top corner. However, Iran quickly responded: Moslem Oladghobad reduced the deficit in the seventh minute, and Ahmad Abbasi equalized with an acrobatic volley in the ninth.

Iran continued to attack, and in the 12th minute, Mohammadhossein Derakshani put them ahead. The remainder of the first half saw two more goals from the Iranian side, including one by Hossein Sabzi, giving Iran a 4:2 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Uzbekistan fought to regain control. Eldor Nigmatov and Anakshon Rakhmatov created dangerous chances, while Sunatalla Djuraev and Muzaffar Akhadjonov scored two goals to narrow the gap to 5:4. Nevertheless, the dismissal of goalkeeper Elmurodov and a precise penalty strike by Azimiematabadi allowed Iran to consolidate their advantage. Hossein Sabzi scored once more to finalize the 7:4 result.

Despite a spirited performance and several bright moments, the Uzbekistan national team could not maintain their lead. Iran demonstrated resilience and experience, earning their place in the tournament semifinals.