Uzbekistan host the UAE at the Milliy Stadium in Tashkent on Tuesday for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, looking to consolidate their position at the top of the Group A table. With two wins and a draw, the White Wolves have seven points in three games and sit atop the pack, even ahead of Iran (also on seven points) by virtue of more goals scored.
The central Asian side began their campaign with back-to-back wins, first beating North Korea 1-0 in their opener, followed by a 3-2 comeback win over Kyrgyzstan. Iran then ended their winning streak by holding them to a goalless draw on Thursday, but it didn't change the group rankings.
Meanwhile, the UAE have been a mixed bag so far. They started off with a 3-1 win over Qatar, but lost to Iran (1-0) in their next match. This week, the Sons of Zayed were pegged back to a 1-1 draw by North Korea, who scored the equalizer with only four minutes of normal time remaining.
The Middle Eastern side, ranked 69th in the world, are looking to end their 34-year wait for a second appearance in the World Cup, having made their debut way back in 1990.
Uzbekistan vs UAE Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- There have been 17 clashes between the sides in the past, with the White Wolves winning just four times in the fixture and losing on nine occasions.
- The sides meet for the first time since October 2020, when the Sons of Zayed were beaten 2-1 in a friendly game.
- Srečko Katanec's side are unbeaten in their last 19 games (including friendlies), the best run of any Asian side right now. They won 12 times during this period.
- The Sons of Zayed have won just once in their last four games, a 3-1 win over Qatar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
- The Middle Eastern side are ranked 69th in the world. Their rivals from Central Asia are nine places above them.
Uzbekistan vs UAE Prediction
The White Wolves have been unbeaten for a long time and are perhaps the most in-form side in the AFC zone right now.
This fixture isn't going to be easy, but we expect them to eke out a draw at least.
Prediction: Uzbekistan 1-1 UAE
Uzbekistan vs UAE Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Result: Draw
Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3 - Both teams to score: Yes