Uzbekistan began their qualifying campaign in the second round of the Asian qualifiers, grouped with Iran, Turkmenistan, and Hong Kong, where the top two sides advanced automatically to the third round. They ultimately booked their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by finishing second in Group A during that third round, collecting 21 points from six wins, three draws, and one defeat. Trailing only Iran, they finished ahead of North Korea, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kyrgyzstan to secure a historic first World Cup berth.
The squad is headlined by striker Eldor Shomurodov, one of the nation's biggest stars and its all-time leading scorer with 44 goals, who will captain the side during the tournament. Another highly rated talent is Abdukodir Khusanov, the 22-year-old defender who will lend solidity to the back line after an impressive Premier League season with Manchester City. Other key figures include Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Oston Urunov, Igor Sergeev, and goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov.
Uzbekistan will be led by Fabio Cannavaro, who took charge following the resignation of Timur Kapadze in October 2025. Cannavaro has made clear he expects relentless effort from his players. "I always want high intensity," he said, adding that he wants fighters rather than a team that fades over 90 minutes. He stressed that, in their first World Cup and against elite opposition, the team must set fear aside, compete fully, and play with the freedom of having nothing to lose.
Uzbekistan is part of Group K alongside Portugal, DR Congo, and Colombia. They open against Colombia on June 17 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, then travel to Houston to face Portugal at NRG Stadium on June 23. Their final group match comes against DR Congo on June 27 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Uzbekistan 2026 World Cup Squad:
Goalkeepers: Utkir Yusupov (Navbahor), Botirali Ergashev (Neftchi), Abduvohid Nematov (Nasaf)
Defenders: Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City), Rustam Ashurmatov (Esteghlal), Umarbek Eshmuradov (Nasaf), Farrukh Sayfiev (Neftchi), Sherzod Nasrullaev (Nasaf), Jakhongir Urozov (Dinamo Samarqand), Abdullah Abdullaev (Dibba Al Fujairah), Avazbek Ulmasaliev (AGMK), Bekhruz Karimov (Surkhon), Khojiakbar Alijonov (Pakhtakor)
Midfielders: Otabek Shukurov (Baniyas), Odiljon Hamrobekov (Tractor), Azizjon Ganiev (Al Bataeh), Akmal Mozgovoy (Pakhtakor), Sherzod Esanov (Bukhara), Jamshid Iskanderov (Neftchi), Jaloliddin Masharipov (Esteghlal), Abbosbek Fayzullaev (Istanbul Başakşehir)
Forwards: Eldor Shomurodov (Istanbul Başakşehir), Oston Urunov (Persepolis), Igor Sergeev (Persepolis), Azizbek Amonov (Bukhara), Dostonbek Khamdamov (Pakhtakor)
