AFC · Group K
Uzbekistan at FIFA World Cup 2026
Uzbekistan qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the first 48-team edition, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Group K opponents
Uzbekistan plays the following three teams in the group stage. Top 2 advance to the Round of 32; the 3rd-placed team can still advance via the best-3rd-placed playoff route (8 of 12 third-placed teams qualify).
Uzbekistan fixtures
Uzbekistan in the tournament
Uzbekistan arrives at the 2026 World Cup ranked #57 in the FIFA World Ranking with a tournament strength rating of 58/100. AFC (Asia) sends 8 teams to 2026. South Korea, Japan, and Australia have all reached the knockout rounds in recent tournaments.
The 48-team format puts Uzbekistan in Group K with Portugal, Colombia, DR Congo. On FIFA ranking alone, the group averages #34, with Uzbekistan in the middle of the pack. Top 2 advance automatically; the best 3rd-placed teams (8 of 12) also qualify for the Round of 32.
Uzbekistan squad for World Cup 2026
Announced June 2, 2026 · 26 players · Head coach: Fabio Cannavaro
Uzbekistan make their first ever World Cup appearance. Italian legend Fabio Cannavaro -- 2006 World Cup winning captain and Ballon d'Or recipient -- has masterminded the qualification. Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov is the headline player; veteran striker Eldor Shomurodov (Roma loanee) provides experience. Open against Colombia in Mexico City on June 17.
Goalkeepers3
- Botirali Ergashev(Pakhtakor)
- Abduvohid Nematov(Pakhtakor)
- Utkir Yusupov(Bunyodkor)
Defenders10
- Abdukodir Khusanov(Manchester City)Premier League-quality center back, Uzbekistan's star
- Khojiakbar Alijonov(Pakhtakor)
- Rustamjon Ashurmatov(Pakhtakor)
- Farrukh Sayfiev(Pakhtakor)
- Sherzod Nasrullaev(Pakhtakor)
- Umarbek Eshmuradov(Bunyodkor)
- Avazbek Ulmasaliev(Bunyodkor)
- Jakhongir Urozov(Pakhtakor)
- Bekhruz Karimov(Pakhtakor)
- Abdulla Abdullaev(Pakhtakor)
Midfielders8
- Akmal Mozgovoy(Pakhtakor)
- Otabek Shukurov(Al-Ahli Doha)
- Jamshid Iskanderov(Pakhtakor)
- Odiljon Hamrobekov(Pakhtakor)
- Jaloliddin MasharipovCaptain(Pakhtakor)
- Azizbek Ganiev(Pakhtakor)
- Sherzod Esanov(Pakhtakor)
- Abbosbek Fayzullaev(CSKA Moscow)
Forwards5
- Azizbek Amonov(Pakhtakor)
- Eldor Shomurodov(Roma)Uzbekistan's all-time top scorer
- Igor Sergeev(Pakhtakor)
- Oston Urunov(Pakhtakor)
- Dostonbek Hamdamov(Pakhtakor)
Sources: Al Jazeera. Squads may change due to injury or disciplinary action before the tournament.
Frequently asked questions about Uzbekistan
When does Uzbekistan play at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Uzbekistan plays 3 scheduled group-stage matches starting June 18, 2026. The opener is against COL. See the full fixtures list below for every kickoff time and venue.
What group is Uzbekistan in at the World Cup 2026?
Uzbekistan is in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, DR Congo. The top two from each group advance to the Round of 32, plus the 8 best 3rd-placed teams across all 12 groups.
What is Uzbekistan's FIFA ranking?
Uzbekistan entered the FIFA World Cup 2026 ranked #57 in the FIFA World Ranking. This places them in the wider qualifier pool. Rankings update through the qualification cycle.
Can Uzbekistan win the World Cup 2026?
Uzbekistan's pre-tournament strength rating is 58/100, derived from FIFA ranking, recent form, and squad depth. They are tournament debutants or lower-ranked qualifiers; reaching the second round would be a notable achievement. Try them in the bracket predictor to test your scenario.