Nation dossier · Group K · Out in the group stage

Uzbekistan

Republic of Uzbekistan

Group KAFCEliminated

Latest DR Congo 3–1 Uzbekistan · Group K

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Title probability

0.0%

as of 2026-07-20

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

37,500,000

Confederation

AFC

FIFA code

UZB

World

Region

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

Goalkeepers3

1
Utkir Yusupov
Navbahor Namangan · First-choice goalkeeper
40caps
12
Abduvakhid Nematov
Nasaf
8caps
16
Botir Ergashev
Neftchi Fergana
2caps

Defenders10

2
Abdukodir Khusanov
Manchester City · Premier League defender, top prospect
27caps
3
Khodjiakbar Alijonov
Pakhtakor
40caps
4
Farrukh Sayfiyev
Neftchi Fergana · Experienced full-back
46caps
5
Rustam Ashurmatov
Esteghlal · Veteran centre-back
49caps
13
Sherzod Nasrullayev
Nasaf
31caps
15
Umar Eshmurodov
Nasaf
29caps
18
Abdulla Abdullayev
Dibba
17caps
24
Bekhruz Karimov
Surkhon Termiz · Teenage defender
2caps
25
Avazbek Ulmasaliev
AGMK · Uncapped at selection
0caps
26
Jakhongir O'rozov
Dinamo Samarqand
4caps

Midfielders9

6
Akmal Mozgovoy
Pakhtakor
25caps
7
Otabek Shukurov
Baniyas · Most-capped midfielder
84caps
8
Jamshid Iskanderov
Neftchi Fergana
38caps
9
Odiljon Hamrobekov
Tractor · Midfield anchor
72caps
11
Oston Urunov
Persepolis · Pacey wing threat
42caps
17
Dostonbek Xamdamov
Pakhtakor
34caps
19
Azizjon Ganiev
Al Bataeh
19caps
22
Abbosbek Fayzullaev
Istanbul Basaksehir · Scored Uzbekistan's first World Cup goal
32caps
23
Sherzod Esanov
Bukhara
1caps

Forwards4

10
Ruslanbek Jiyanov
Navbahor Namangan
5caps
14
Eldor Shomurodov
Istanbul Basaksehir · Captain and all-time top scorer
92caps
20
Azizbek Amonov
Dinamo Samarqand
12caps
21
Igor Sergeev
Persepolis · Veteran striker
83caps

Model

as of 2026-07-20

Champion0.0%

Reach final0.0%

Semi-final0.0%

Quarter-final0.0%

Round of 160.0%

Advance from group0.0%

Exp. points

0.00

Proj. finish

40.5

Seed Elo

1620

Title-probability trajectory

Champion chance across the last 14 snapshots

Matches

Results

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

NRG Stadium, Houston

Estadio Azteca, Mexico City

History

2026
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.