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Uzbekistan will compete in its first FIFA World Cup when the 2026 tournament begins in North America, marking a milestone for the Central Asian nation of 37 million. The White Wolves open against Colombia on June 17 in Mexico City, followed by matches against Portugal and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group K.
Uzbekistan’s qualification was aided by the tournament’s expansion from 32 to 48 teams. The nation’s 50th-place FIFA ranking reflects sustained investment in youth football, with its under-23, under-20, and under-17 teams each winning Asian Cup titles in recent years.
Fabio Cannavaro, Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning captain, was appointed head coach last year. He has not set specific performance targets for the squad ahead of the tournament.
"This is our first World Cup. So it's important not to create unnecessary pressure on the players, but on the contrary, to give them the chance to enjoy the game," Cannavaro had said in a May press conference.
The world’s leading sports analytics company Opta estimates Uzbekistan has a 12% chance of advancing from the group stage.
Three squad members play for clubs outside Uzbekistan: defender Abdukodir Khusanov at Manchester City, forward Eldor Shomurodov, and attacking midfielder Abbosbek Fayzullaev. The remaining players compete in the domestic league.
Approximately 30,000 supporters attended a farewell match at the national stadium in Tashkent before the team departed for North America.
"If we look at the last few years, not only the senior team, but also at the youth level, our national sides are now the best in Asia," said Abdusaid Ruzimatov, a 22-year-old fan who attended the match.
The growth of football aligns with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's "New Uzbekistan" reform agenda, which has focused on attracting foreign investment and raising the country’s international profile over the past decade.
During a meeting with the squad in Tashkent, Mirziyoyev described the team’s qualification as a breakthrough.
"Our footballers can rightfully be called the heroes of our time, having opened a new page in the history of Uzbekistan. They have brought immense joy to the people," he said.
His office noted that the achievement has increased interest in sports and drawn attention from across Uzbek society.
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