First Contact: Uzbekistan's Rise to the Global Stage
Fabio Cannavaro trimmed a 40-man camp to 26 players as Uzbekistan prepares for its World Cup debut with an experienced core led by Eldor Shomurodov.
- On Tuesday, Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro named the 26-player squad for the nation's inaugural World Cup appearance, led by forward Eldor Shomurodov and Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov.
- Cannavaro assumed the coaching role last October, succeeding former coach Timur Kapadze, who guided Uzbekistan through Asian qualifying stages to secure their historic spot.
- The final selection comprises three goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 10 midfielders, and three forwards, drawing talent from clubs including Istanbul Basaksehir and Esteghlal across domestic and international leagues.
- Uzbekistan faces Colombia on June 17 at Estadio Azteca to open Group K play. "It's a really tough group because we face Portugal," Cannavaro said of the challenging draw.
- While making their first World Cup debut, Uzbekistan boasts a football history spanning over a century and enters as one of four debutants in the 2026 tournament hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
11 Articles
11 Articles
First contact: Uzbekistan's rise to the global stage
Uzbekistan will make its World Cup debut at the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada. In the second instalment of a four-part series, RFI looks at the journey of the first team from central Asia to qualify for the competition in its 96-year history.
Shomurodov and Khusanov lead Uzbekistan's first World Cup squad
Uzbekistan squad for FIFA World Cup 2026—Shomurodov and Khusanov lead attack
Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro named an experienced squad on Tuesday for the country’s first World Cup finals appearance, led by forward Eldor Shomurodov and defender Abdukodir Khusanov.
Former Thai League star makes Uzbekistan squad for 2026 World Cup. Uzbekistan has officially announced its 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with legendary former defender and World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro as head coach. The squad includes several well-known players such as Abdulkodir Khuzanov, a promising young defender from Manchester City, and Abbosbek Faisullayev, a dynamic attacking midfielder currently playing in the Turkish league. …
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