The White Wolves make history
For the first time ever, the Uzbekistan national team will play at the FIFA World Cup. After decades of near misses and heartbreaking eliminations, the White Wolves finally secured qualification for the 2026 tournament in USA, Canada and Mexico.
Led by a talented young generation and guided by former Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro, Uzbekistan arrive at the tournament determined to prove they belong on the world stage.
Coach: Fabio Cannavaro
The Uzbekistan Football Association made a surprising move in October 2025 by replacing qualification hero Timur Kapadze with Cannavaro ahead of the World Cup.
The 2006 World Cup-winning captain brings enormous international experience after participating in four World Cups as a player and winning the Ballon d’Or in 2006. The federation highlighted his leadership and elite-level pedigree as decisive factors behind the appointment.
Cannavaro will be supported by an Italian coaching staff including Eugenio Albarella, Francesco Troise and Antonio Chimenti.
Uzbekistan’s schedule at the 2026 World Cup
- 17 June: Uzbekistan vs Colombia — Mexico City Stadium
- 23 June: Portugal vs Uzbekistan — Houston Stadium
- 27 June: DR Congo vs Uzbekistan — Atlanta Stadium
How Uzbekistan qualified
Uzbekistan entered AFC qualifying in the second round and immediately impressed. The White Wolves remained unbeaten against powerhouse Iran and comfortably advanced to the third round.
The team’s rise was driven by exciting young star Abbosbek Fayzullaev, whose goals against Qatar, North Korea and Iran proved decisive during qualifying.
Qualification was officially secured on 5 June 2025 thanks to a tense 0-0 draw away to the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi — a result celebrated across the country as one of the greatest moments in Uzbek football history.
Uzbekistan at the World Cup
- Confederation: AFC
- First World Cup appearance: 2026
- World Cup appearances: 1 (2026)
A history of heartbreak before the breakthrough
Uzbekistan’s football history has long been marked by painful near misses.
One of the most infamous moments came during qualification for Germany 2006, when a replayed match against Bahrain and controversial refereeing decisions denied the team a place in the intercontinental play-off.
Another devastating elimination arrived before Brazil 2014, when Uzbekistan lost a dramatic penalty shootout to Jordan. Veteran defender Anzur Ismailov missed the decisive kick after both teams had converted nine penalties.
Twelve years later, a new generation finally succeeded where previous squads had failed.
Key player: Abbosbek Fayzullaev
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder became the symbol of Uzbekistan’s qualification campaign thanks to his creativity, movement and decisive goals in crucial matches.
Many supporters believe Fayzullaev can become the face of Uzbek football during the country’s historic World Cup debut.
UZBEKISTAN
Goalkeepers
#1 Utkir Yusupov (PFC Navbahor Namangan, Uzbekistan) – 185 cm
#16 Botirali Ergashev (FK Neftchi Farg‘ona, Uzbekistan) – 189 cm
#12 Abduvohid Nematov (Nasaf Qarshi FK, Uzbekistan) – 182 cm
Defenders
#2 Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City FC, England) – 186 cm
#3 Khojiakbar Alijonov (Pakhtakor Tashkent FK, Uzbekistan) – 180 cm
#4 Furkat Sayfiyev (FK Neftchi Farg‘ona, Uzbekistan) – 183 cm
#5 Rustam Ashurmatov (Esteghlal Tehran FC, Iran) – 186 cm
#13 Sherzod Nasrullayev (Pakhtakor Tashkent FK, Uzbekistan) – 183 cm
#15 Umar Eshmurodov (Nasaf Qarshi FK, Uzbekistan) – 185 cm
#23 Sherzod Esanov (FK Buxoro, Uzbekistan) – 190 cm
#24 Behruzjon Karimov (Surkhon FK, Uzbekistan) – 172 cm
#25 Avazbek O‘lmasaliyev (OKMK FK, Uzbekistan) – 187 cm
#26 Jakhongir O‘rozov (FK Dinamo Samarqand, Uzbekistan) – 190 cm
Midfielders
#6 Akmal Mozgovoy (Pakhtakor Tashkent FK, Uzbekistan) – 180 cm
#7 Otabek Shukurov (Baniyas Club, United Arab Emirates) – 183 cm
#8 Jamshid Iskanderov (FK Neftchi Farg‘ona, Uzbekistan) – 171 cm
#9 Odiljon Hamrobekov (Tractor Sazi Tabriz FC, Iran) – 180 cm
#19 Azizjon Ganiev (Al Bataeh Club, United Arab Emirates) – 178 cm
#22 Abbosbek Fayzullayev (Beşiktaş JK, Türkiye) – 167 cm
Forwards
#10 Jaloliddin Masharipov (Esteghlal Tehran FC, Iran) – 174 cm
#11 Oston Urunov (Persepolis FC, Iran) – 181 cm
#17 Dostonbek Khamdamov (Pakhtakor Tashkent FK, Uzbekistan) – 178 cm
#18 Abbulla Abdullaev (Dibba FC, United Arab Emirates) – 181 cm
#20 Azizbek Amonov (FK Dinamo Samarqand, Uzbekistan) – 181 cm
#21 Igor Sergeyev (Persepolis FC, Iran) – 185 cm
#14 Eldor Shomurodov (Başakşehir FK, Türkiye) – 190 cm
Head Coach
Fabio Cannavaro (Italy)
