The upcoming 2026 World Cup marks a significant milestone for Uzbekistan, as the nation prepares to showcase its football prowess on a global stage. This article is part of an extensive coverage effort by various media outlets from the 48 countries that qualified for the tournament, which kicks off on June 11.
Strategic Development
Uzbekistan’s football journey has evolved remarkably since Srecko Katanec took the helm in 2021, implementing a successful 3-4-3 formation that his successors, Timur Kapadze and currently Fabio Cannavaro, have maintained. The qualification process was notably smooth, with the national team dominating a four-team group, defeating Turkmenistan and Hong Kong, while securing draws against Iran.
In the second round, Uzbekistan was fortunate to avoid facing regional heavyweights like Japan, South Korea, and Australia. Their away match against North Korea took place in Laos, where the team arrived by chartered flight. Throughout both qualification rounds, the White Wolves only suffered one defeat in 16 matches, a narrow 3-2 loss in Qatar. They held Iran, a formidable opponent in Asia, to draws in all four encounters. Utkir Yusupov, the team’s first-choice goalkeeper, played a crucial role, notably saving penalties in both matches against North Korea.
Uzbekistan: Group K Schedule
17 June vs. Colombia, Mexico City (8 PM local, 18 June 3 AM BST, 18 June noon AEST)
23 June vs. Portugal, Houston (noon local, 6 PM BST, 24 June 3 AM AEST)
27 June vs. DR Congo, Atlanta (7:30 PM local, 28 June 0:30 AM BST, 28 June 9:30 AM AEST)
Unexpectedly, Katanec’s health declined during the qualifiers, preventing him from traveling to Tashkent for several key matches. He stated, “If I leave the national team for the third time due to health reasons, I will never return,” in the summer of 2024. Resigning in January 2025, he was succeeded by Kapadze, who had previously led the Uzbekistan Olympic team to Paris 2024, marking a historic achievement. Katanec remarked that his successor “finished the meal I started to prepare.”
Following their World Cup qualification, the Uzbekistan football association sought to recruit an international coach, ultimately selecting Cannavaro from a pool of candidates. The 2006 World Cup-winning captain signed a two-year contract, expressing, “I’m happy to be given this opportunity; it is a great honour. I came here not to change everything, but to continue the work that has been started,” upon his arrival last year shortly after qualification was secured.
The Coach’s Credentials
Fabio Cannavaro boasts an impressive playing career with 18 World Cup appearances over four tournaments, including lifting the trophy in Germany in 2006. He ranks second in Italy’s all-time caps, trailing only Gianluigi Buffon’s 176. However, his coaching career has seen limited success; during his four years with Guangzhou Evergrande, he secured just one Chinese Super League title, and his stint as head coach of China lasted only two matches. His coaching journey also included brief tenures at Benevento, Udinese, and Dinamo Zagreb. He reflected on his transition, stating, “I have played many games on the field where I thought I had given everything. But after hanging up my boots and starting my coaching career, I realised that 90 minutes on the field can never be compared to the life of a coach.”
Star Player Spotlight
Abdukodir Khusanov stands out as the most prominent figure in the Uzbekistan squad, being the first player from his country to compete in prestigious leagues such as the Champions League, Premier League, or Ligue 1. Following in his father’s footsteps, former central defender Khikmat Khoshimov, Khusanov began his career at Energetik-BGU Minsk in Belarus at age 17, where he could only train due to restrictions on foreign players under 18. He recalls, “In Belarus, I suffered away from my parents – often there were training sessions three times a day. If there was heavy snow in winter, we would clear the field ourselves and then train.”
Khusanov’s breakthrough came in 2023 when he won the Under-20 Asian Cup with Uzbekistan and made his senior debut. He attracted attention from Lens, and within 18 months, he found himself at Manchester City. Pep Guardiola praised him, stating, “He is a top signing. He is so coachable. He is always training good and gives 100%.” The 22-year-old has already clinched both the FA Cup and League Cup this season.
Emerging Talent
Behruz Karimov, born in 2007 in the Namangan region, has always been driven to advance in his football career. He shares, “I’ve been playing football since I was six years old. When I was in high school, I was rejected by the under-19 team of Navbahor because I was too young. After that, I started trying to prove that age is just a number.” The teenage right-back debuted for Surkhan in the Uzbek top division in March last year, netting his first goal in October. By January, he had participated in the Under-23 Asian Cup, scoring against South Korea, which led to his first senior call-up. Although he faced a setback with a toe injury requiring surgery in April, he made a swift recovery ahead of the World Cup. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “After the injury, I was very depressed, but everyone around me supported me. This also helped me get back on my feet faster.”
Hidden Gem
Dostonbek Khamdamov has represented Uzbekistan at every youth level, from winning the Under-16 Asian Cup in 2012 to the Under-23 tournament in 2018. Following impressive performances with Bunyodkor, he was recognized as Asia’s best young player in 2015 before moving to Anzhi Makhachkala in Russia. Unfortunately, he only appeared in nine matches there. Returning to Pakhtakor, Khamdamov has since secured five league titles and three Uzbek Cups throughout two periods with the club. After a brief hiatus from the national squad, he has regained his place under Cannavaro’s management.
Projected Starting Lineup
Fan Expectations
Uzbek fans made their presence known at a global football event for the first time during the 2024 Olympics in Paris, creating unforgettable memories wherever they traveled. One of their most popular chants celebrates their heritage: “The Temurids have come, the Baburids have come,” referring to the legendary Central Asian empire builders, signaling their serious intent.
Diplomatic Ties with the US
Recent years have seen several meetings between the presidents of Uzbekistan and the United States, fostering strong relations. “Shavkat Mirziyoyev is my friend,” Trump remarked during their encounter at the Board of Peace in Washington in February 2026. “He’s got one of the most difficult names in history, but that’s OK, it doesn’t matter. Your country is doing great. You’re doing great and just no problems. Every time I see him, nope, we’re doing good, no problems.” Last November, Mirziyoyev complimented Trump, saying, “In Uzbekistan, we call you the president of the world.”
