2026 World Cup - Group K: Uzbekistan preview, squad and schedule

17.06.26 FT World Cup

Uzbekistan

1

:

Colombia

3

Uzbekistan will make its World Cup 2026 debut under the leadership of Fabio Cannavaro, the 2006 World Cup champion with Italy.

World Cup history

Uzbekistan has never participated in a World Cup before 2026. The Uzbeks came close to qualifying twice: in 2006 (a controversial elimination against Bahrain) and in 2014 (a dramatic penalty shootout loss in the playoffs to Jordan).

Qualification campaign

The White Wolves went undefeated in the second round (four wins and two draws) in a group that included Iran.

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In the third round, the Uzbek squad outperformed their rivals and secured qualification after a decisive draw against the United Arab Emirates in June 2025.

Appearances

First appearance in 2026

World Cup record

No appearances before 2026

Uzbekistan squad

Fabio Cannavaro has yet to announce his official list, but here is his provisional squad for the World Cup:

Goalkeepers: Utkir Yusupov (Navbahor), Abduvohid Nematov (Nasaf), Botirali Ergashev (Neftchi)

Defenders: Rustam Ashurmatov (Esteghlal), Farrukh Sayfiev (Neftchi), Khojiakbar Alijonov (Pakhtakor), Sherzod Nasrullaev (Nasaf), Umar Eshmurodov (Nasaf), Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City), Abdulla Abdullaev (Dibba), Bekhruz Karimov (Surkhon), Jakhongir Urozov (Dinamo Samarqand), Avazbek Ulmasaliev (AGMK)

Midfielders: Otabek Shukurov (Baniyas), Odiljon Hamrobekov (Tractor), Jamshid Iskanderov (Neftchi), Akmal Mozgovoy (Pakhtakor), Azizjon Ganiev (Al Bataeh), Jasurbek Jaloliddinov (Sogdiana), Umarali Rakhmonaliev (Sabah), Sherzod Esanov (Buxoro)

Forwards: Eldor Shomurodov (İstanbul Başakşehir), Igor Sergeev (Persepolis), Jaloliddin Masharipov (Esteghlal), Oston Urunov (Persepolis), Dostonbek Khamdamov (Pakhtakor), Abbosbek Fayzullaev (İstanbul Başakşehir), Azizbek Amonov (Buxoro), Ruslanbek Jiyanov (Navbahor), Sherzod Temirov (Erbil)

Uzbekistan's Group K schedule

Thursday, June 18, 2026

Uzbekistan vs Colombia

2:00 AM | Mexico City Stadium

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Portugal vs Uzbekistan

5:00 PM | Houston Stadium

Saturday, June 27, 2026

DR Congo vs Uzbekistan

11:30 PM | Atlanta Stadium

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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Uzbekistan

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