A hat-trick from Mehdi Taremi sank Hong Kong, China's hopes of a win on home turf against Iran in Thursday's 2026 World Cup qualifying match.

The FC Porto forward scored two penalties in addition to a goal from open play to help seal a 4-2 win against the SAR.

Ma Hei-wai and Anthony Francis Pinto scored for the home team to help them keep pace with the Iranians.

The result leaves Hong Kong, China at the bottom of Group E with one point, having lost four games and drawn one.

Iran, meanwhile, top the group with four wins and a draw.

The top two teams from the group move on to the third round of World Cup qualifiers in Asia while the bottom two head to the third round of Asian Cup qualifiers.