The long-awaited dream of the Uzbek people and countless football enthusiasts has finally been realized.
After a hard-fought 0-0 draw with the UAE in the 9th round of the Asian qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup, the Uzbekistan national team secured their first-ever qualification for the tournament with 18 points. The joy and pride felt by our compatriots at this triumphant achievement was immeasurable.
The team, led by Timur Kapadze, made history for Uzbekistan football and were greeted with a grand ceremony at the Tashkent International Airport named after Islam Karimov. Government officials, sports authorities, parents of the players, coaches, members of the public, and dedicated professionals in the field were all in attendance to welcome the heroes.
Finally, the long-awaited moment arrived and the players stepped foot on their home soil with their heads held high.
“As a footballer and coach, I have dreamed of this day for many years,” said Timur Kapadze, Head Coach of Uzbekistan’s national team. “This victory is a testament to the unwavering faith and support of our people. We were delighted to receive a congratulatory phone call from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev after the match. In his call, the Head of State said, ‘Millions of football fans in our country, our entire nation, dreamed of this brilliant result, which will undoubtedly be remembered in the history of our national sports.’ These words not only inspired me, but the entire team. We are proud to have fulfilled the cherished dream of our people. Now, we have an even greater responsibility and we will do our best to represent Uzbekistan honorably at the 2026 World Cup.”
This achievement is a clear reflection of the significant attention given to sports in the country, particularly football, in recent years. Efforts have been made to promote football, increase the interest of youth in sports, and form national teams capable of competing in international tournaments with dignity.
“Last year, we made history by qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with our Olympic team, and this year we have reached the World Cup with the national team,” said Uzbekistan national team member Abbosbek Fayzullayev. “The dream of our people has come true, and I am proud to have been a part of it. Thanks to the vast opportunities provided in our country and the great attention given to youth, we are achieving great goals. For this, we sincerely thank the President and our people.”
After the 9th round of the Asian qualifiers, the situation in Group A has become much clearer. Iran leads the group with 20 points, followed by Uzbekistan in second place with 18 points. Both teams have secured their spot in the World Cup. The UAE is in third place with 14 points, followed by Qatar with 13 points in fourth. Kyrgyzstan and the DPRK hold fifth and sixth place with 7 and 3 points, respectively. The final round of matches will take place on June 10: Uzbekistan vs. Qatar, Kyrgyzstan vs. UAE, and Iran vs. DPRK.
It is important to note that the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 48 teams. Asia has been allocated eight direct slots and one intercontinental playoff spot.
In the third round of the Asian qualifiers, 18 teams were divided into three groups of six, competing in a round-robin format (home and away). The top two teams from each group will directly qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The six teams finishing in third and fourth place in the qualifying groups will compete in a final stage, divided into two groups of three teams each, following a round-robin format.
The top team from each group in the Asian playoff stage will secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup. The runners-up from both groups will face each other in a playoff match to determine which team will represent the AFC in the intercontinental playoff.
The event was attended by Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov.
[gallery-23799]Tulqin Ruziyev, Javokhir Tashkhojayev, UzA