Uzbekistan has achieved a monumental milestone in its football history by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the very first time.
The Central Asian nation clinched its spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup—set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada—after holding the United Arab Emirates to a goalless draw on June 5 in Abu Dhabi.
This historic qualification ends years of heartbreak for Uzbekistan, who had previously fallen short in seven consecutive World Cup qualifying campaigns. Notable disappointments included a dramatic away-goals loss to Bahrain in 2006 and a penalty shootout defeat to Jordan in 2014.
Defensive Masterclass Seals the Deal
A stellar defensive performance anchored Uzbekistan’s qualification. Goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov emerged as the hero, delivering several crucial saves to preserve the all-important draw. Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov also impressed, helping to maintain a rock-solid backline under pressure.
The point earned from the goalless result was enough to seal Uzbekistan’s place in the expanded 48-team tournament mathematically.
Celebrations Across Uzbekistan
The qualification sparked nationwide celebrations. Fans flooded the streets of Tashkent and other major cities, waving flags and singing chants in support of their national heroes. For a country passionate about football, this World Cup debut marks the fulfillment of a long-held dream.
Who Has Qualified for the 2026 World Cup?
Uzbekistan now joins other confirmed teams for the 2026 tournament, including:
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Co-hosts: USA, Canada, Mexico
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Asia: Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan
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South America: Argentina
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Oceania: New Zealand
With the World Cup expanding to 48 nations, the road to glory is now more open than ever for emerging football nations like Uzbekistan.
