Uzbekistan have secured qualification to the World Cup finals for the first time in their history, following a goalless draw with the United Arab Emirates on Thursday.

The White Wolves are the fifth nation to qualify for the tournament in Mexico, Canada and the United States, after Argentina, Iran, Japan and New Zealand.

Timur Kapadze's side sealed their passage after guaranteeing second place behind Iran in Group A of the AFC Qualifying Third Round with a game to spare.

A 0-0 stalemate with third-placed UAE in Abu Dhabi put Uzbekistan four points clear of the latter with just one match remaining.

It ensured their maiden participation at a World Cup finals for the first time since becoming an independent nation in 1992.

Skipper - and all-time leading scorer - Eldor Shomourodov will likely lead the charge of Uzbekistan, whose side also features Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov.

Uzbekistan have qualified for their first #FIFAWorldCup! @aramco | #WeAre26 pic.twitter.com/AqxX4mZLgC

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 5, 2025

Meanwhile, Australia's qualification hopes remain on the brink. After snatching a last-gasp win over Japan earlier on Thursday, Saudi Arabia's 2-0 win over Bahrain means their place in the tournament is not yet confirmed.

The two sides will face each other in the final Group C game, though Saudi Arabia have an inferior goal difference (0 to Australia's +8).