Khushnudbek Khudoyberdiyev's pre-match thoughts: If we're lucky, it'll be 0:0, if not...

As you know, today the Uzbekistan national team will play against the Iranian national team as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Before this match, we were interested in the predictions of the football community, as well as representatives of other spheres of public opinion.

Below you can read the pre-match thoughts of the lawyer, blogger, and director of the National Public Fund for Support and Development of Mass Media, Khushnudbek Khudoiberdiev.

- Do you believe that our national team will win tomorrow's match?
- I don't believe it, but I hope and pray.

- How do you think the match will go?
- It's very difficult. I think it will be the most difficult match in the qualifying round. Firstly, Iran wants to win a big victory in front of their fans and secure a place in the World Cup. That is why, for example, even if they are winning 1:0, they will probably continue to attack. Secondly, for Iran, we are a principled opponent, regardless of the importance and level of the competition, they will always play with us uncompromisingly.

- What score will be recorded and who will score?
- If we are lucky, we will keep the 0:0 draw. If we are not lucky, it could be 2:0 or 3:0. May God grant us luck.

- A more general question. How do you assess the chances of our team taking second place and qualifying for the World Cup?
- 60%. I am surprised that some publications estimate Uzbekistan's chances at more than 90%. If we look at the situation realistically, we do not have such a great chance. For example, like Iran, a single draw or even a single win may not get us to the World Cup. Importantly, after the 8th round, our chances may decrease instead of increasing. For example, if we lose to Iran and the UAE and Qatar win, our chances will drop to 50%. But, God forbid, if we lose to the UAE as well, then it will drop to 20-25%. In short, we have 3 very difficult games ahead of us. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”