The Uzbekistan World Cup 2026 squad are history-makers as the nation's first ever side to qualify.
Across their two rounds of World Cup 2026 qualification they only lost once and qualified quite comfortably in their group in the third round, but they won't be among the favourites for the tournament.
They played in and hosted part of the second FIFA series in 2026 ahead of the World Cup and they'll be grateful for the experience as one of the lesser-known squads in the tournament.
Uzbekistan will debut as an independent nation at the 2026 World Cup having previously been part of the Soviet Union.
Most of their squad plays their football in the country with a few exceptions, including Abdukodir Khusanov, who plays for Manchester City in the Premier League.
They have a big-name manager in the shape of Fabio Cannavaro, and will be hoping his World Cup-winning experience with Italy will inspire Uzbekistan 20 years on. His performance against Germany in that tournament is ranked at no.33 in FourFourTwo's list of the greatest individual performances of all time.
Their qualification for the 2026 World Cup saw them become the first central Asian team to qualify for the tournament as well as the third former Soviet Union state after Russia and Ukraine.
Squad
Uzbekistan's World Cup 2026 squad: The March selection
- GK: Utkir Yusupov (Navbahor)
- GK: Abduvohid Nematov (Nasaf)
- GK: Botirali Ergashev (Neftchi)
- DF: Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City)
- DF: Khojiakbar Alijonov (Pakhtakor)
- DF: Farrukh Sayfiev (Neftchi)
- DF: Rustam Ashurmatov (Esteghlal)
- DF: Sherzod Nasrullaev (Pakhtakor)
- DF: Umar Eshmurodov (Nasaf)
- DF: Bekhruz Karimov (Surkhon)
- DF: Mukhammadrasul Abdumazhidov (Pakhtakor)
- DF: Jakhongir Urozov (Dinamo)
- DF: Mukhammadkodir Khamraliev (Pakhtakor)
- MF: Akmal Mozgovoy (Baniyas)
- MF: Otabek Shukurov (Baniyas)
- MF: Jamshid Iskanderov (Neftchi)
- MF: Odiljon Hamrobekov (Tractor)
- MF: Azizjon Ganiev (Al Bataeh)
- MF: Oston Urunov (Persepolis)
- MF: Dostonbek Khamdamov (Pakhtakor)
- MF: Alisher Odilov (Neftchi)
- MF: Ibrokhim Ibragimov (Pakhtakor)
- MF: Umarali Rakhmonaliev (Sabah)
- FW: Eldor Shomurodov (Istanbul Basaksehir)
- FW: Igor Sergeev (Persepolis)
- FW: Sherzod Temirov (Erbil)
Fixtures
- June 01, 2026: Canada vs Uzbekistan, BMO Field, Toronto, Canada
- June 18, 2026: Uzbekistan vs Colombia, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico
- June 23, 2026: Portugal vs Uzbekistan, NRG Stadium, Houston, United States
- June 28, 2026: DR Congo vs Uzbekistan, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, United States
Recent Results
- March 30, 2026: Uzbekistan 0-0 (5-4 pen) Venezuela, Milliy Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
- March 27, 2026: Uzbekistan 3-1 Gabon, Milliy Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
- November 18, 2025: Iran 0–0 Uzbekistan (3–4 p), Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- November 14, 2025: Uzbekistan 2–0 Egypt, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- October 13, 2025: Uzbekistan 1–2 Uruguay, Hang Jebat Stadium, Malacca City, Malaysia
- October 9, 2025: Uzbekistan 2–0 Kuwait, Olympic City Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
- September 8, 2025: Uzbekistan 1–0 Iran (AET.), Olympic City Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
- September 5, 2025: Uzbekistan 4–0 Kyrgyzstan, Olympic City Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
- September 2, 2025: Turkmenistan 1–2 Uzbekistan, Olympic City Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
- August 30, 2025: Uzbekistan 1–1 Oman, Olympic City Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
- June 10, 2025: Uzbekistan 3–0 Qatar, Milliy Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
- June 5, 2025: United Arab Emirates 0–0 Uzbekistan, Al Nahyan Stadium, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- March 25, 2025: Iran 2–2 Uzbekistan, Azadi Stadium, Tehran, Iran
- March 20, 2025: Uzbekistan 1–0 Kyrgyzstan, Milliy Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
- January 27, 2025: Uzbekistan 0–0 Jordan, Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar
Manager
Who is Uzbekistan's manager?
Ballon d’Or winner Fabio Cannavaro will take charge of Uzbekistan at their first ever World Cup.
His previous managerial experience includes spells in China, Saudi Arabia and Italy, none of which have been that successful.
This is second spell in charge of a national team, having taken charge of China for two games whilst also in charge of Chinese club side Guangzhou.
Star player
Who is Uzbekistan's star player?
Attack wins games, defence wins titles. Whilst Uzbekistan are unlikely to win the World Cup, going far in the tournament will rely on a strong defence and tying in games, allowing the strikers to try and grab a late goal.
Abdukodir Khusanov of Manchester City will be vital in allowing that to happen. He made the move to the Premier League in January 2025 after just 18 months at Ligue 1 side Lens.
Under Pep Guardiola’s tutelage he will gain valuable experience which could greatly benefit his nation in their first ever World Cup.
