For the first time in their history, Uzbekistan walked onto the World Cup stage. Fabio Cannavaro led the squad into the unknown.
| Team | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 7 |
| 2 |
|
3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| 3 |
|
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| 4 |
|
3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 11 | -9 | 0 |
Uzbekistan become the first Central Asian nation to play at a World Cup. The 'White Wolves' went unbeaten through the second round of AFC qualifying, securing a place with a game to spare. The squad is rooted in the Tashkent derby Pakhtakor and Bunyodkor with an increasing number of Russian and European-based players.
Uzbekistan found the group stage unforgiving, unable to pick up a single victory against their opponents. Their campaign featured a 1-3 defeat against Colombia, a heavy 0-5 defeat to Portugal, and a 1-3 defeat against DR Congo. DR Congo proved to be a step too far, and Uzbekistan's campaign came to a decisive end in the first round.
3lost
2scored11conceded
Lost all 3 matches conceded 11 goals in 3 matches.
Eldor Shomurodov, 29, is the squad's main goal threat. The former Genoa, Roma, and Cagliari forward has scored over 35 international goals, making him Uzbekistan's all-time top scorer. Eldor Shomurodov led Uzbekistan's attack with 1 goal at the 2026 World Cup. Shared the top-scorer honours with Fayzullaev, both with 1. Level with Fayzullaev on 1.
4yellow
1.3per match
Khusanov booked twice.
Cannavaro, 52, is the 2006 World Cup-winning captain and Ballon d'Or recipient, appointed in October 2025 after interim coach Timur Kapadze secured qualification. The Italian's big-game experience and tactical nous were brought in specifically to prepare Uzbekistan for their historic first World Cup. Guided Uzbekistan to their first World Cup winless under Cannavaro.
