In a surprising turn of events during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the match between Iran and the United Arab Emirates broke records in ways no one could have predicted. On March 20, 2025, called by referee Ko Hyung-Jin, the game at the Azadi Stadium was interrupted due to a significant lighting failure, leading to an astonishing 29 minutes of additional time in the first half—marking a historic event in football.
Football fans are no strangers to games that stretch time with lengthy stoppages, especially during big tournaments. Many remember the 2022 World Cup matches periodically extending to 8, 10, or even 12 minutes of additional play. However, this time, Iran shattered its previous record for the longest stoppage time. Previously, it had set a record for 28 minutes of additional time during a match against England in the same tournament. This new situation truly brought the match's timeline into question.
When the game resumed after the lighting issue was resolved, players and spectators prepared for an unusual form of entertainment. The first half concluded with a remarkable statistic: Sardar Azmoun notably opened the scoring at what would theoretically be the 72nd minute of the first half. Yes, that's right! Such peculiarities raised eyebrows, highlighting the game’s unprecedented nature.
Iran continued to dominate as Mohammad Mohebi scored another goal, which, curiously, fell at the 70th-minute mark of the second half. The absurdity of time and scoring ensured that fans were witness to a match that went beyond the traditional rules of football, almost rendering logic obsolete. The final score settled at 2-0 in favor of Iran, cementing their position at the top of Group A.
This victory was crucial as it put Iran in a strong position for World Cup qualification. Now, they need only a draw against Uzbekistan to secure their place in a fourth consecutive World Cup—an impressive feat for any national team.
After the match, reactions flowed from fans and analysts as they processed the record and the narrative spun from that day. A tweet from the account, @FootIranien, humorously noted, "Préparez-vous au voyage dans le temps, on va reculer de 30min dans le temps mdr" (Get ready for a time travel experience; we’re about to turn the clock back 30 minutes!). This reflects not only the humorous side of the bizarre game but also the surreal experience for those involved.
On a more serious note, football sometimes transcends the game itself. Mohammed Saleh, a defender for Palestine, echoed a sentiment felt strongly among players—"Nous jouons au football pour eux, pour Gaza, pour notre cause" (We play football for them, for Gaza, for our cause). As turmoil often exists in various regions, players become ambassadors of hope, using the sport to represent their narratives and communities.
This match serves as a reminder of how football continues to unify while displaying its unpredictability. Despite the absurdity of this specific match’s outcome and timelines, it renewed excitement around the World Cup qualifiers. Enthusiasts will now keenly await Iran’s upcoming match against Uzbekistan, where their fate for World Cup participation hangs in the balance.
Such is the beauty of football; records can be made and broken in the span of a match, and time can play its tricks, leaving fans in awe. As Iran seeks to continue its journey in international football, moments like these will be cited in history books as defining instances—not only of sporting prowess but of the indomitable spirit of competition.
