Uzbekistan’s Team Guide for the 2026 World Cup

This article is part of the Guardian’s 2026 World Cup expert network, a collaboration between leading news organizations from the 48 countries that have qualified. Theguardian.com will provide daily previews from three nations as the tournament approaches, starting June 11.

Uzbekistan’s Road to Qualification

The journey for Uzbekistan’s national football team has been remarkable. Since Surekko Katanets took the helm in 2021, he implemented a successful 3-4-3 system, which has been effectively continued by his successors, Timur Kapadze and Fabio Cannavaro. Their qualification campaign has been nothing short of impressive.

Uzbekistan breezed through the first round, securing victories over Turkmenistan and Hong Kong, while managing to hold Iran to two draws. The second round proved just as favorable. They avoided draws against regional powerhouses including Japan, South Korea, and Australia. Notably, Uzbekistan’s away match against North Korea took place in Laos, with the team traveling on a chartered flight. Their overall performance in the qualifiers was stellar, with just one loss in 16 matches—a narrow 3-2 defeat to Qatar. They drew all four matches against Iran, a dominant force in Asian football, thanks in large part to the outstanding contributions of goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov, especially his penalty saves against North Korea.

Katanets’ health decline during the qualifiers came as a shock, impacting the availability of Slovenian players for some matches. In summer 2024, he made headlines with his emphatic declaration, expressing that he would not return to the national team for a third time if forced to resign due to health issues. Ultimately, he stepped down in January 2025, with Kapadze taking charge after leading the Uzbekistan Olympic team to Paris 2024. Katanets acknowledged his successor’s role in building upon the foundation he laid.

Following their World Cup qualification, the Uzbekistan Football Association decided to hire a foreign coach, ultimately selecting Cannavaro from an esteemed list of candidates. The former player signed a two-year contract, and upon his arrival, expressed his honor in taking the role, emphasizing his desire to continue the work already in motion.

Fabio Cannavaro’s Coaching Journey

Fabio Cannavaro, a veteran of four World Cups and the captain of Italy’s 2006 title-winning team, has a distinguished playing career but a mixed record as a coach. His tenure at Guangzhou Evergrande included a Chinese Super League title, but his brief stint as head coach of the China national team lasted only two matches. Subsequent roles at Benevento, Udinese, and Dinamo Zagreb were similarly short-lived. Reflecting on his transition from player to coach, he noted the unique challenges that come with the latter, emphasizing the significant differences between playing and coaching.

Highlighting Uzbekistan’s Star Player

Abdukkodir Kusanov stands out as Uzbekistan’s most prominent footballer, marking significant milestones in his career. He holds the distinction of being the first player from Uzbekistan to compete in the Champions League, Premier League, and Ligue 1. With a notable lineage—his father Hikmat Kosimov was also a central defender—Kusanov’s journey began in Belarus with Energetik BGU Minsk. Despite facing challenges abroad at a young age, he honed his skills through rigorous training sessions. His breakthrough came in 2023 when he secured his first senior cap after winning the Under-20 Asian Cup with Uzbekistan and moved to Manchester City, where manager Josep Guardiola praised him for his work ethic and talent. This past season, Kusanov celebrated winning both the FA Cup and League Cup.

Emerging Talent to Watch

Born in 2007 in the Namangan region, Bekhluz Karimov is an exciting young prospect for Uzbekistan as he looks to make his mark on the international stage. His early footballing journey, starting at age six, included overcoming setbacks, such as being rejected by Navvahor’s Under-19 team due to his youth. Karimov made his debut for Sulkan’s senior team in March last year and scored his first goal in October. At just 18, he participated in the U-23 Asian Cup, where he notched a goal against South Korea, leading to his first call-up to the national team. Although he faced a setback with a toe injury that required surgery, his determination and the support of those around him ensured a swift recovery ahead of the World Cup.

Recognizing the Unsung Hero

Dostonbek Khamdamov has been a foundational player for Uzbekistan, representing his country at various youth levels, marking his journey with victories in both the Under-16 and Under-23 Asian Cups. After being honored as Asia’s Best Young Player in 2015 for his performance with Bunyodkor, he moved to Anzhi Makhachkala in Russia, although his opportunities were limited there. Returning to Uzbekistan, Khamdamov has since thrived with Pakhtakor, securing multiple league titles and cups. His resurgence under Cannavaro’s guidance has re-established him as a vital part of the national squad.

Projected Starting XI