Uzbekistan are among the four teams making their FIFA World Cup debut in the 2026 edition. Find out the White Wolves’ schedule and star players to watch.
After years of heartbreak and near-misses, Uzbekistan have finally reached the promised land.
Since gaining independence following the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Central Asian football nation had failed in seven previous attempts to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. The biggest setback came in the final stage of continental qualifiers for Germany 2006 and Brazil 2014.
But, this summer in North America, things are about to get better for the White Wolves, who booked their spot at the World Cup on the back of the federation’s heavy investment in youth development.
A force in Asia since their 1994 Asian Games triumph, Uzbekistan are in Group K at the tournament, alongside Colombia, Portugal and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Quick facts
- Captain: Eldor Shomurodov
- Manager: Fabio Cannavaro
- World Cup appearances (including 2026): 1
- Best World Cup result: N/A
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Uzbekistan’s full squad
Goalkeepers: Utkir Yusupov (Navbahor), Abduvohid Nematov (Nasaf), Botirali Ergashev (Neftchi).
Defenders: Rustam Ashurmatov (Esteghlal), Farrukh Sayfiev (Neftchi), Khojiakbar Alijonov (Pakhtakor), Sherzod Nasrullaev (Nasaf), Umar Eshmurodov (Nasaf), Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City), Abdulla Abdullaev (Dibba), Bekhruz Karimov (Surkhon), Jakhongir Urozov (Dinamo Samarqand), Avazbek Ulmasaliev (AGMK).
Midfielders: Otabek Shukurov (Baniyas), Jaloliddin Masharipov (Esteghlal), Odiljon Hamrobekov (Tractor), Oston Urunov (Persepolis), Jamshid Iskanderov (Neftchi), Dostonbek Khamdamov (Pakhtakor), Abbosbek Fayzullaev (Istanbul Basaksehir), Akmal Mozgovoy (Pakhtakor), Azizjon Ganiev (Al Bataeh), Sherzod Esanov (Bukhara).
Forwards: Eldor Shomurodov (Istanbul Basaksehir/Roma), Igor Sergeev (Persepolis), Azizbek Amonov (Bukhara).