Uzbekistan at the FIFA World Cup 2026

History

Uzbekistan are making their debut at the FIFA World Cup in 2026. As part of the Soviet Union before independence in 1991, Uzbekistan never appeared at a World Cup in their own right. Since gaining independence they have competed in AFC qualifying for every World Cup from 1998 onward without success, until 2025. Their qualification makes them the first Central Asian nation, and the third former Soviet republic after Russia and Ukraine, to reach the World Cup finals. They have no previous World Cup record or titles.

Qualification

Uzbekistan sealed their historic first World Cup qualification on June 5, 2025 with a 0-0 draw away against the United Arab Emirates in the AFC third-round qualifying stage. The campaign spanned 16 matches, in which they recorded 10 wins and 5 draws. Timur Kapadze was the coach who guided them to qualification. In October 2025, Italian World Cup-winning legend Fabio Cannavaro was appointed as head coach to prepare the team for the tournament itself.

Preparation

Fabio Cannavaro held a three-week training camp in Tashkent from May 6 to 26 with a 40-man squad, then named the final 26-man squad on June 2. Uzbekistan completed their pre-tournament programme with two friendlies in the United States: against Canada on June 1 and the Netherlands on June 8, the latter a 2-1 defeat in New York City. The squad based themselves at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground from June 10. On June 18, Uzbekistan played their historic first-ever World Cup match at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, losing 1-3 to Colombia in Group K before 80,824 fans. Abbosbek Fayzullaev scored the nation's first-ever World Cup goal with a 60th-minute header, and was also recorded as the fastest player of round one at 36 km/h. On June 23, Uzbekistan lost their second group match 0-5 to Portugal at NRG Stadium in Houston. On June 27, Uzbekistan led DR Congo 1-0 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta through Shomurodov's 10th-minute goal, but DR Congo overturned the deficit with Wissa's penalty (68'), Mayele's finish (78') and Wissa's stoppage-time sealer (90'+1) to win 3-1 and eliminate Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan finished bottom of Group K with 0 points, 2 goals scored and 11 conceded. Cannavaro described the tournament as 'brutal' but defended his players' commitment and called for long-term investment in Uzbekistan youth football. On July 2, Cannavaro reflected that the team paid the price for first-World-Cup pressure but gained valuable experience, citing injuries and lack of match fitness behind lineup changes. Despite speculation of a coaching change, the federation confirmed on July 13 that Cannavaro will stay in charge for the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, with the squad set to reconvene in September to address game control and defensive stability.

Latest news

Cannavaro confirmed to stay on as Uzbekistan coach for the Asian Cup

· coach

After journalist Aleksandr Troitsky speculated a coaching change for the Asian Cup, official denials confirmed Cannavaro stays in charge through the Saudi Arabia tournament. Troitsky retracted his claim, saying finishing Cannavaro's tenure 'looks entirely logical' given his changes. The federation views retaining him as sensible despite negative reaction to the World Cup exit.

Cannavaro: 'We gained valuable experience' reflecting on three World Cup losses

· coach

Cannavaro attributed the three defeats partly to first-World-Cup pressure, saying 'we paid the price for that.' The squad gained valuable experience, taking responsibility for lineup changes forced by injuries and fitness issues, but felt 'not everything was wrong', citing strong spells vs Colombia and DR Congo. He named the Asian Cup as next objective, with the squad reconvening in September.

Cannavaro: 'The World Cup is brutal' after Uzbekistan exit with three defeats

· general

Fabio Cannavaro called Uzbekistan's group-stage elimination harsh: 'The World Cup is brutal. They gave everything? Yes. They are sad in the changing room.' He defended his players: 'I cannot complain about my players', admitting tactical mistakes. He urged long-term investment via youth academies: 'Uzbekistan football needs to improve', and added 'I don't feel good because I don't like to lose.'

Uzbekistan eliminated: DR Congo complete comeback to win 3-1 in Atlanta

· matches

Uzbekistan's debut World Cup ended in elimination as DR Congo overturned Shomurodov's 10th-minute opener to win 3-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Wissa equalised from a penalty (68') after Khusanov fouled him, Mayele added the go-ahead (78'), and Wissa sealed it in stoppage time (90'+1). Uzbekistan finish bottom of Group K with 0 points, 2 scored and 11 conceded from three matches.

Uzbekistan's play-off chances stand at 7.36% ahead of must-win Congo clash

· general

Following two Group K defeats, the Opta supercomputer gives Uzbekistan a 7.36% chance of reaching the play-offs, 1.24% of reaching the round of 16, and near-zero chances beyond that. The article notes that Uzbekistan must win against DR Congo on June 27 to keep any slim mathematical hope alive, and concludes that 'it is people who play on the field, not supercomputers.'

German referee Felix Zwayer appointed for Uzbekistan vs DR Congo on June 27

· general

FIFA has appointed German referee Felix Zwayer to officiate the Group K final matchday fixture between Uzbekistan and DR Congo at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on June 27. German assistants Robert Kempter and Christian Dassin support him, with Spaniard Alejandro Hernandez as fourth official.

Bekhruz Karimov praised by European analysts after first two World Cup matches

· general

Hungarian analyst Bence Bochak highlighted 18-year-old Bekhruz Karimov's two World Cup performances, noting he 'can operate as a right-back and center-back in a back three' and praising his technical skill. Karimov recorded 15 ball recoveries, 34 ground duels and 6 successful dribbles; analysts suggest European clubs should move for him while transfer fees remain modest.

Cannavaro takes responsibility for 5-0 loss, praises players' resilience

· general

After the 0-5 defeat to Portugal, Fabio Cannavaro accepted full responsibility, citing quick early goals as decisive. A Ganiev goal was disallowed while Uzbekistan trailed 2-0. Despite the scoreline he praised his players, saying they 'demonstrated resilience and did not stop fighting until the final whistle', and called the tournament 'invaluable international experience.'

Uzbekistan lose 0-5 to Portugal, Nematov own goal compounds difficult night in Houston

· matches

Uzbekistan lost 0-5 to Portugal in their second Group K match at NRG Stadium, Houston. Goals: Ronaldo 6', Mendes 17' (free kick), Ronaldo 39' (3-0 HT), Nematov OG 60', Leao 87'. Hamrobekov booked (14'). Portugal had 66% possession and 9 shots on target vs Uzbekistan's 2. Uzbekistan remain without a point, bottom of Group K, ahead of their final match against DR Congo on June 27 in Atlanta.

Moroccan referee panel appointed for Uzbekistan vs Portugal on June 23

· general

FIFA has assigned Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed, assisted by Zakariya Brinsi and Mustafo Akarkad (both Morocco), to officiate the Group K second-round match between Uzbekistan and Portugal at NRG Stadium in Houston on June 23. South African officials Abongayl Tom and Zaxele Sivela were named as reserves.

Fayzullaev: 'During the warm-up I felt like I was in a movie'

· general

Abbosbek Fayzullaev described the surreal atmosphere before the World Cup debut: 'For the first 10-15 minutes of the warm-up I felt like I was in a movie, but once the game started all the nerves disappeared.' He credited his father's presence at the Estadio Azteca as a key motivator and expressed pride at scoring Uzbekistan's first-ever World Cup goal.

Colombia match draws 80,824 fans to Azteca - tournament attendance record

· general

The Uzbekistan vs Colombia group match at Estadio Azteca attracted 80,824 spectators, matching the highest attendance figure of the 2026 World Cup's opening round. The crowd was comparable to Mexico's own opening match at the same venue.

Fayzullaev recorded as fastest player in 2026 World Cup round one at 36 km/h

· general

According to SofaScore data, Abbosbek Fayzullaev reached a top speed of 36 km/h during the Colombia match, the highest figure recorded among all players in the first round of the 2026 World Cup. He finished ahead of Croatia's Josip Stanisic (35.9 km/h) and Ivory Coast's Wilfried Singo (35.8 km/h).

Fayzullaev's header sets 21st-century World Cup record for shortest scorer

· general

Opta data cited by Zamin.uz states that Abbosbek Fayzullaev, at 167 cm, became the shortest player to score a headed goal at the World Cup in the 21st century. His 60th-minute header against Colombia was also Uzbekistan's first-ever goal in the finals of the tournament.

Former coach Kapadze: 'Nothing decided yet, two important clashes remain'

· general

Timur Kapadze praised the debut despite the 1-3 loss: 'The first game was full of great emotions and was a truly historic event.' He called Fayzullaev's goal 'the first-ever goal of the Uzbekistan national team in the World Cup finals, eternally etched in our sports chronicles,' and urged fans to stay optimistic: 'Nothing has been decided yet and two important clashes await.'

FIFA President Infantino congratulates Uzbekistan on historic World Cup debut

· general

FIFA President Gianni Infantino posted congratulations on Instagram: 'Every World Cup creates its own new and unique stories. Now, on the soil of Mexico, Uzbekistan has begun to write a great page of its football history.' He called Uzbekistan's first official World Cup goal 'a collective achievement' and encouraged the team to 'enjoy and relish every moment' of the tournament.

Uzbekistan lose World Cup debut 1-3 to Colombia, Fayzullaev scores historic first goal

· matches

In their first-ever World Cup match at Estadio Azteca, Uzbekistan fell 1-3 to Colombia in Group K. Daniel Munoz gave Colombia the lead (40'). Abbosbek Fayzullaev equalised with a tap-in (60') to score Uzbekistan's historic first-ever World Cup goal. Luis Diaz restored Colombia's lead (65') and Jaminton Campaz sealed it in stoppage time (90+9'). Abdukodir Khusanov was booked in the 34th minute.

Masharipov attends official FIFA World Cup photoshoot, back pain fears dismissed

· squad

Masharipov participated in the official FIFA World Cup 2026 media day photoshoot in the USA wearing his No.10 jersey, dispelling recent reports he had been removed due to back pain. Sports commentator Davron Fayziev shared images via Telegram confirming Masharipov remains in the squad and is training ahead of the June 18 opener against Colombia.

Uzbekistan vs Colombia sets all-time 2026 World Cup ticket sales record

· general

According to football expert Alisher Nikimbaev, the Uzbekistan vs Colombia group-stage match has recorded the highest ticket sales of any fixture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with 74,725 tickets sold - surpassing even the opening game between Mexico and South Africa (73,373) and Brazil vs Morocco (73,719). The match is scheduled for June 18 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Cannavaro upbeat on fitness after Netherlands defeat, tempers title talk

· general

After the 2-1 friendly loss to the Netherlands, coach Fabio Cannavaro said preparation began over a month ago and that foreign-based players joined later, but he was convinced the team had done good work on physical fitness, while noting individual issues still to address. He added the team cannot win the World Cup but should enjoy it.

Late Gakpo penalty sinks Uzbekistan 2-1 in final pre-World Cup friendly

· matches

In their last warm-up before the World Cup, Uzbekistan lost 2-1 to the Netherlands in New York City. Cody Gakpo scored both Dutch goals from the penalty spot (32' and 90'+8'). Igor Sergeev equalised in stoppage time (90'+2') after Guus Til was sent off for a handball, before a contested late penalty settled it.

Squad

PlayerPositionClub
Utkir YusupovGKNavbahor Namangan
Botirali ErgashevGKNeftchi Fergana
Abduvohid NematovGKNasaf Qarshi
Abdukodir KhusanovDFManchester City
Rustam AshurmatovDFIstiklol
Farrukh SayfievDFNeftchi Fergana
Khojiakbar AlijonovDFPakhtakor
Sherzod NasrullaevDFPakhtakor
Umar EshmurodovDFNasaf Qarshi
Avazbek UlmasalievDFAGMK
Bekhruz KarimovDFSurkhan
Jakhongir UrozovDFDinamo Tashkent
Abdulla AbdullaevDFDibba Al Fujairah
Ruslanbek JiyanovDFNavbahor Namangan
Odiljon HamrobekovMFTractor SC
Otabek ShukurovMFBaniyas
Akmal MozgovoyMFPakhtakor
Sherzod EsanovMFBukhara
Jamshid IskanderovMFNeftchi Fergana
Jasur JaloliddinovMFSogdiana Jizzakh
Aziz GanievMFAl Bataeh
Umarali RakhmonalievMFSabah FK
Abbosbek FayzullaevFWIstanbul Basaksehir
Jaloliddin MasharipovFWEsteghlal Tehran
Eldor ShomurodovFWIstanbul Basaksehir
Oston UrunovFWPersepolis
Igor SergeevFWPersepolis
Dostonbek HamdamovFWPakhtakor
Azizbek AmonovFWDinamo Samarqand
Sherzod TemirovFWErbil

Recent results

  • 2023-11-16 — TKM 1-3 UZB (qualification)
  • 2023-11-21 — UZB 2-2 IRN (qualification)
  • 2024-01-07 — UZB 1-0 PLE (friendly)
  • 2024-03-21 — HKG 0-2 UZB (qualification)
  • 2024-03-26 — UZB 3-0 HKG (qualification)
  • 2024-06-06 — UZB 3-1 TKM (qualification)
  • 2024-06-11 — IRN 0-0 UZB (qualification)
  • 2024-09-05 — UZB 1-0 PRK (qualification)
  • 2024-09-10 — KGZ 2-3 UZB (qualification)
  • 2024-10-10 — UZB 0-0 IRN (qualification)
  • 2024-10-15 — UZB 1-0 UAE (qualification)
  • 2024-11-14 — QAT 3-2 UZB (qualification)
  • 2024-11-19 — PRK 0-1 UZB (qualification)
  • 2025-01-22 — UZB 0-0 JOR (friendly)
  • 2025-03-20 — UZB 1-0 KGZ (qualification)
  • 2025-03-25 — IRN 2-2 UZB (qualification)
  • 2025-06-05 — UAE 0-0 UZB (qualification)
  • 2025-06-10 — UZB 3-0 QAT (qualification)
  • 2025-10-10 — UZB 2-0 KUW (friendly)
  • 2025-10-13 — UZB 1-2 URU (friendly)
  • 2026-01-26 — UZB 2-2 CHN (friendly)
  • 2026-06-08 — NED 2-1 UZB (friendly)
  • 2026-06-18 — UZB 1-3 COL (group)
  • 2026-06-23 — POR 5-0 UZB (group)
  • 2026-06-27 — COD 3-1 UZB (group)

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