Extra time record appears in Asian World Cup qualifiers

Iran beat UAE at home.

Due to a lighting problem at Azadi Stadium, the match in Group A of the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers was suspended. When the problem was resolved, referee Ko Hyung-Jin added 29 minutes of extra time.

Previously, the longest injury time in a single half was recorded in the match between Burton Albion and Bournemouth in September 2019 in the English League Cup. In that match, the floodlights also had problems. Afterwards, the second half of the match was added 28 minutes of injury time.

Returning to the match between Iran and UAE, the home team scored the opening goal in the 45+27th minute, after a header by Sardar Azmoun. The moment the ball entered the net, the organizer's clock showed the 72nd minute, but in reality, the match was still in the first half.

After an eventful first half, Iran continued to play proactively and scored the winning goal 2-0 after Mohammad Mohebi's moment of brilliance in the 70th minute.

Iran maintained their top position in Group A with 19 points, 9 points ahead of the third-placed UAE, while there are only 3 matches left in the Asian qualifying round. If Iran can gain 1 more point in the next match, they will qualify for the World Cup for the 4th consecutive time.

Previously, the first team in the world to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in North America was revealed, which is Japan.