Uzbekistan
Key Players
Squad
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
About
Uzbekistan make their historic first FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026, coached by Italian World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro. The White Wolves have been a perennial Asian Cup contender but never managed to qualify for the global stage until this remarkable breakthrough. Cannavaro, who captained Italy to the 2006 World Cup title and won the Ballon d'Or that year, was appointed in 2024 and brought European tactical sophistication to a squad that combines emerging talent with experienced campaigners. His appointment signaled serious ambition from the Uzbek football federation. The standout player is Abdukodir Khusanov, who earned a move to Manchester City after impressive performances in Ligue 1 with Lens, becoming one of the most promising young defenders in world football. Drawn into Group K with Portugal, Congo DR, and Colombia, Uzbekistan face a daunting challenge in their debut tournament. The match against Congo DR offers the best chance for points, while the fixtures against Portugal and Colombia will test the squad's ability to compete at the highest level. Most players come from the Uzbek domestic league — Pakhtakor, Nasaf, AGMK — supplemented by a core of overseas professionals in Turkey, Iran, and the UAE. Fayzullaev's dynamism in midfield and Shomurodov's experience in European football provide genuine quality. The growing popularity of football in Central Asia and Uzbekistan's improving league infrastructure suggest this could be the first of many World Cup appearances. Expected performance: Group stage exit, but a competitive debut with Khusanov drawing attention from scouts worldwide.
Group Stage Schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the coach of Uzbekistan at World Cup 2026?
Fabio Cannavaro is the head coach of Uzbekistan at the 2026 World Cup. The Italian 2006 World Cup winner and Ballon d'Or recipient was appointed in 2024 to lead Uzbekistan to their first-ever World Cup.
What group is Uzbekistan in at World Cup 2026?
Uzbekistan are in Group K at the 2026 World Cup, alongside Portugal, Congo DR, and Colombia. It is their first-ever World Cup appearance.
Is this Uzbekistan's first World Cup?
Yes, the 2026 World Cup is Uzbekistan's first-ever appearance. Despite being regular contenders at the Asian Cup, they had never previously qualified for the World Cup.
Who is Abdukodir Khusanov?
Abdukodir Khusanov is Uzbekistan's star defender who plays for Manchester City. He moved from Lens in Ligue 1 and is one of the most promising young center-backs in world football, bringing top-level European experience to the Uzbek squad.
When does Uzbekistan play at World Cup 2026?
Uzbekistan play their Group K matches in mid-June 2026 against Portugal, Congo DR, and Colombia at venues across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.