Uzbekistan qualifies for FIFA World Cup following draw with UAE

Uzbekistan has qualified for its first-ever FIFA World Cup after a goalless draw with the UAE at Al Nahyan Stadium on Thursday.

The result also sees the UAE advance to the next stage of qualifying with 14 points, maintaining their hopes for a second appearance at the global finals.

Uzbekistan withstood several late threats, with goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov making two crucial saves to deny the UAE a winner.

The UAE, now third in Group A, will face Kyrgyzstan in the tenth and final round of qualifiers.

Uzbekistan finished second in the group with 18 points, qualifying for the World Cup alongside Iran.