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The Uzbekistan national football team has officially announced a 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday (2 June 2026).

The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marks a historic milestone as Uzbekistan makes its first-ever appearance in the World Cup finals.

Head coach Fabio Cannavaro has assembled a balanced team that blends experienced veterans with emerging young talents who have shown promise on the international stage.

The squad will be captained by Eldor Shomurodov, who will be the main attacking force up front.

In defence, all eyes are on Abdukodir Khusanov, who has enjoyed an impressive season with Manchester City.

His presence is expected to be a solid foundation for Uzbekistan as they face tough opponents in the group stage.

Uzbekistan’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup represents a major landmark in the growth of football in Central Asia.

The team has also made history as the first Central Asian nation to ever reach the World Cup finals.

Group K Title Prediction

Uzbekistan has been drawn in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and DR Congo.

The competition is expected to be intense, given that all three opponents have considerable experience on the world stage.

Portugal is widely regarded as the favourite to top the group standings.

With a roster full of players from top European clubs, the Selecao is also said to have the depth and quality needed to contend deep into the tournament.

According to SPIELTAG Indonesia, as reported by Tribunnews on Sunday (31 May 2026), football analysts Bung Arnan and Bung Adrian have both listed Portugal as one of the nations capable of becoming the new World Cup champion.

“Portugal could become the next new champion,” said Bung Adnan.

“Portugal has players whose quality has already been proven at major European clubs,” added Bung Adrian.

Given their strength and depth, Portugal is expected to be the strongest contender to secure the top spot in Group K.

Meanwhile, Colombia is predicted to be their main challenger for a spot in the knockout rounds, while Uzbekistan and DR Congo could emerge as potential surprise packages.

Complete Uzbekistan National Team Squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

Goalkeepers:

• Utkir Yusupov (Navbahor)
• Abduvokhid Ne'matov (Nasaf Qarshi)
• Botirali Ergashev (Neftchi Fergana)

Defenders:

• Avazbek Ulmasaliyev (FC OKMK Olmaliq)
• Abdulla Abdullayev (Dibba SCC)
• Jahongir Urozov (Dinamo Samarkand)
• Rustam Ashurmatov (Esteghlal FC)
• Abduqodir Khusanov (Manchester City)
• Umar Eshmurodov (Nasaf Qarshi)
• Farrukh Sayfiyev (Neftchi Fergana)
• Khojiakbar Alijonov (Pakhtakor)
• Sherzod Nasrullayev (Pakhtakor)
• Behruz Karimov (Surkhon Termiz)

Midfielders:

• Aziz Ganiev (Al-Bataeh CSC)
• Otabek Shukurov (FC Baniyas)
• Sherzod Esanov (FC Buxoro)
• Abbosbek Fayzullayev (Basaksehir FK)
• Jaloliddin Masharipov (Esteghlal FC)
• Jamshid Iskanderov (Neftchi Fergana)
• Akmal Mozgovoy (Pakhtakor)
• Dostonbek Khamdamov (Pakhtakor)
• Oston Urunov (Persepolis FC)
• Odil Khamrobekov (Traktor FC)

Forwards:

• Azizbek Amonov (Dinamo Samarkand)
• Eldor Shomurodov (Basaksehir FK)
• Igor Sergeyev (Persepolis FC)

(TribunWow.com / Internship Participant from STMIK Amikom Surakarta / Astiwi)