Uzbekistan
Manager: Fabio Cannavaro
Overview
Uzbekistan are Central Asia's strongest footballing nation and have been a consistent force in Asian qualifying, coming agonizingly close to World Cup qualification on multiple occasions. The White Wolves play an organized, technical style that reflects the influence of their Soviet-era footballing heritage. Their squad features players from the Uzbek Super League and leagues across Asia and Eastern Europe. Uzbekistan's domestic football infrastructure has improved significantly, and their youth development programs have begun producing players capable of competing at higher levels. Qualification for the 2026 World Cup would be a historic first and a validation of Uzbekistan's long-term investment in the sport.
Squad
26 playersGoalkeepers3
Utkir Yusupov
Navbahor Namangan
Abduvokhid Nematov
Nasaf Qarshi
Botirali Ergashev
Neftchi Fergana
Defenders10
Abdukodir Khusanov
Manchester City
Khozhiakbar Alizhonov
Pakhtakor Tashkent
Farrukh Sayfiev
Neftchi Fergana
Rustam Ashurmatov
Esteghlal FC
Sherzod Nasrullaev
Pakhtakor Tashkent
Umar Eshmurodov
Nasaf Qarshi
Abdulla Abdullaev
Dibba SCC
Avazbek Ulmasaliev
FC OKMK Olmaliq
Jakhongir Urozov
Dinamo Samarqand
Bekhruz Karimov
Surkhon Termiz
Midfielders7
Akmal Mozgovoy
Pakhtakor Tashkent
Otabek Shukurov
FC Baniyas
Jamshid Iskanderov
Neftchi Fergana
Odildzhon Khamrobekov
Tractor FC
Dostonbek Khamdamov
Pakhtakor Tashkent
Aziz Ganiev
Al-Bataeh CSC
Sherzod Esanov
FC Buxoro
Forwards6
Jaloliddin Masharipov
Esteghlal FC
Oston Urunov
Persepolis FC
Eldor Shomurodov
Basaksehir FK
Igor Sergeev
Persepolis FC
Abbosbek Fayzullaev
Basaksehir FK
Azizbek Amonov
Dinamo Samarqand
World Cup History
Uzbekistan have never qualified for a FIFA World Cup, though they have come close several times in Asian qualifying. They reached the final round of qualifying for the 2014 and 2018 tournaments, narrowly missing out on both occasions. Uzbekistan's Asian Cup performances have been solid, including a semifinal appearance in 2011, but the World Cup has remained elusive.
Group K Opponents
Fun Fact
Uzbekistan's national stadium, the Bunyodkor Stadium in Tashkent, was named after the club that once employed Rivaldo and hosted some of the most attended football matches in Central Asian history.
Predict Uzbekistan's Path to the Final
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