Goal and Highlights: Iran 1-0 Kyrgyztan in World Cup Qualifiers 2026

Iran secure a narrow, 1-0 win over Kyrgyzstan in the opening match of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

Mehdi Taremi's penalty early in the second half proved to be the decisive moment as Iran secured a hard-fought victory in their first match of Group B.

The game started at a frantic pace with both teams eager to impose themselves on the match. However, it was Iran who created the better chances in the opening 45 minutes, with Sardar Azmoun and Alireza Jahanbakhsh both coming close to breaking the deadlock.

Kyrgyzstan grew into the game and had a couple of half-chances of their own before the break but failed to test Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.

The second half began in similar fashion to the first, with Iran continuing to press for an opening goal. Their persistence paid off in the 54th minute when Taremi was brought down in the box by Kyrgyzstani defender Valery Kichin.

The Porto striker stepped up and coolly converted the resulting penalty to give Iran the lead. Kyrgyzstan responded well to going behind and created a few chances of their own but were unable to find an equalizer.

Iran held on in the closing stages to secure all three points, giving them a perfect start to their qualifying campaign.

Goal

* 54' Mehdi Taremi (pen)

Highlights

* Iran dominated possession throughout the match, with 62% of the ball. * Iran had 11 shots on goal, compared to Kyrgyzstan's 3. * Taremi's penalty was his 30th goal for Iran. * Iran have now won their last four matches against Kyrgyzstan.