Nation dossier · Group K · In contention
Uzbekistan
Republic of Uzbekistan
Up next DR Congo v Uzbekistan · Group K
Title probability
0.0%
as of 2026-06-25
Overview
Uzbekistan arrive at their first-ever World Cup, a landmark achievement for a country that has knocked on the door for two decades. The White Wolves sealed historic qualification with a disciplined, defensively organised campaign, proving they belong on the global stage.
Under a structured, pragmatic setup, this is a side blending hardened domestic veterans with an exciting new wave of European-based talent. The presence of Manchester City's Abdukodir Khusanov and CSKA's Abbosbek Fayzullaev signals a generation no longer content with continental near-misses.
Expectations are modest but real — survival and respectability are the targets, with the dream of a knockout berth in an expanded 48-team format genuinely alive.
Capital
Tashkent
Population
35,600,000
Confederation
AFC
FIFA code
UZB
From Wikipedia
Republic of Uzbekistan fields one of the 48 national teams contesting the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Source: Wikipedia →Squad
- 118caps
Utkir Yusupov
Pakhtakor Tashkent · Commanding first-choice shot-stopper
- 126caps
Abduvohid Nematov
AGMK · Reliable deputy between the posts
- 233caps
Sanjar Kuvvatov
Navbahor Namangan · Young keeper for the future
- 222caps
Khojiakbar Alijonov
Pakhtakor Tashkent · Energetic overlapping right-back
- 314caps
Abdukodir Tashriev
Navbahor Namangan · Tough-tackling left-back
- 420caps
Abdukodir Khusanov
Manchester City · Pacey ball-playing centre-back
- 535caps
Rustamjon Ashurmatov
Gangwon FC · Composed defensive leader
- 1310caps
Sherzod Nasrullaev
AGMK · Versatile defensive cover
- 1512caps
Anvarjon Khoshimov
Pakhtakor Tashkent · Aerially dominant stopper
- 1819caps
Farrukh Sayfiev
Nasaf Qarshi · Steady full-back option
- 1924caps
Umarali Rahmonaliev
Pakhtakor Tashkent · Reads the game superbly
- 658caps
Otabek Shukurov
Al-Wakrah · Metronomic midfield anchor
- 762caps
Jaloliddin Masharipov
Persepolis · Creative spark and set-piece taker
- 818caps
Jasurbek Jaloliddinov
Lokomotiv Moscow · Box-to-box dynamo
- 1030caps
Abbosbek Fayzullaev
CSKA Moscow · Dazzling young playmaker
- 1440caps
Odiljon Hamrobekov
Hatayspor · Tireless central engine
- 2016caps
Khojimat Erkinov
Pakhtakor Tashkent · Direct attacking midfielder
- 2126caps
Azizbek Turgunboev
Pakhtakor Tashkent · Tricky wide operator
- 970caps
Eldor Shomurodov
AS Roma · Captain and talismanic striker
- 1155caps
Igor Sergeev
Pakhtakor Tashkent · Clinical penalty-box poacher
- 1624caps
Bobir Abdixolikov
Al-Riyadh · Powerful target man
- 1728caps
Oston Urunov
Neftchi Baku · Pacey wing threat
- 2212caps
Shokhrukh Norkhonov
Navbahor Namangan · Aggressive forward runner
Model
as of 2026-06-25Exp. points
1.15
Proj. finish
40.1
Seed Elo
1620
Title-probability trajectory
Champion chance across the last 14 snapshots
Matches
History
2022
Did not qualify / Group stage
Culture
Football culture
Pakhtakor Tashkent is the spiritual heart of the domestic game, and crowds across the country follow the national side with fierce devotion. Youth development has surged, with academies producing players now exported to Europe and the Gulf. The Asian Cup has long been the nation's main stage, where heartbreak and pride have shaped the football identity.
Did you know
- Samarkand was once the glittering capital of Timur (Tamerlane)'s vast empire.
- Uzbekistan is one of only two doubly-landlocked countries on Earth.
- Pakhtakor means 'cotton picker' — a nod to the nation's cotton heritage.
- Tashkent hosts one of the world's most ornate metro systems.
- The Plov, a rice-and-meat feast, is the beloved national dish.