Uzbekistan have secured their first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup, following a goalless draw against the United Arab Emirates on Thursday that confirmed their place at next year’s finals. The result, achieved in Abu Dhabi, ensured Uzbekistan’s historic progression, marking a significant milestone since the nation gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov was instrumental in the achievement, producing a series of crucial second-half saves to deny the UAE, who needed a victory to remain in contention for automatic qualification. Abbosbek Fayzullaev also went close for the visitors, striking the crossbar with a header in the 54th minute.

The result guarantees Uzbekistan a top-two finish in Group A and automatic progression to the 2026 World Cup, to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. The UAE, coached by Cosmin Olăroiu, will now enter the fourth round of Asian qualifiers, with the single point gained confirming at least a third-placed finish in the group.

Elsewhere, Australia and Jordan moved within touching distance of qualification.

In Perth, Aziz Behich scored a dramatic 90th-minute winner to give the Socceroos a 1-0 victory over already-qualified Japan in Group C. The result keeps Australia three points clear of Saudi Arabia, who defeated Bahrain 2-0 in Riffa thanks to goals from Musab Al-Juwayr and Abdulrahman Al-Obud.

Despite the win, Australia's qualification will not be confirmed until Tuesday’s decisive clash with Saudi Arabia in Jeddah. However, their significantly superior goal difference means they could lose by up to four goals and still qualify for a sixth consecutive World Cup as group runners-up behind Japan.

Jordan also moved to the brink of qualification after Ali Olwan netted a superb hat-trick in a 3-0 away win over Oman in Group B. Jamal Sellami’s side now await the outcome of South Korea’s meeting with Iraq in Basra later on Thursday to determine their fate.

Meanwhile, Indonesia guaranteed their progression to the fourth round of qualifiers with a 1-0 win over China in Jakarta. Ole Romeny converted a penalty on the stroke of half-time to seal the victory and eliminate Branko Ivanković’s side from the competition. Indonesia are now assured of a third- or fourth-place finish in Group C.

So far, hosts Canada, Mexico and the United States have already qualified, along with New Zealand, Japan, Iran, Argentina, and now Uzbekistan, for the expanded 48-team World Cup in 2026.