World Cup 2026

Uzbekistan

White Wolves Unleashed: Uzbekistan's Historic First World Cup Howl

Out at the group stageFIFA #57Group K — Portugal · DR Congo · Colombia

FutAve take

The Story

After seven failed attempts since independence, the White Wolves have finally arrived on football's grandest stage — a first Central Asian nation to ever reach the World Cup. Drawn into Group K against Colombia, Portugal, and Congo DR, Uzbekistan carry an entire region's hopes into matches that would once have seemed impossible.

How they qualified

Uzbekistan's path was built on grit and consistency — unbeaten in the second qualifying round, then sealing their historic spot with a match to spare via a resolute away draw against the UAE. Seven prior near-misses made the final whistle that confirmed qualification feel, in the words of observers, as emotionally seismic as England lifting the trophy. The White Wolves did not stumble over the line; they marched.

Why watch

Neutral fans, take note: this is a team playing with the freedom of nothing to lose and the weight of an entire nation's footballing identity on their backs. Every tackle, every chance, every goal carries decades of heartbreak behind it. With a Premier League centre-back anchoring defense and a tricky wide attack, Uzbekistan have the tools to make Group K uncomfortable.

Squad spotlight

Players to Know

The Star

Eldor Shomurodov

Eldor Shomurodov is Uzbekistan's most recognisable attacking force, leading the line for club and country at İstanbul Başakşehir.

Why they matter

As Uzbekistan's totemic centre-forward, Shomurodov is the focal point of every attack — the player opponents must plan around and the one his teammates look to when the White Wolves need a moment of individual quality to unlock a stubborn defence.

Watch for

Watch how he links play between midfield and the final third, holds up possession under pressure, and whether he can drag Uzbekistan into moments that write World Cup history.

The X-Factor

Abdukodir Khusanov

Manchester City

Abdukodir Khusanov is Uzbekistan's standout defensive name, plying his trade at Manchester City in the Premier League.

Why they matter

Playing week-in, week-out at one of Europe's elite clubs gives Khusanov a level of tactical and technical exposure far beyond most of this squad — he brings Premier League-tested composure to a backline facing Díaz, Ronaldo, and company.

Watch for

His reading of the game and ability to step out aggressively from a high defensive line will be crucial. Watch whether his club-level experience allows him to marshal younger centre-back partners through the fire of Group K's biggest tests.

The Breakout Candidate

Abbosbek Fayzullaev

İstanbul Başakşehir

Abbosbek Fayzullaev is a dynamic right winger operating out of İstanbul Başakşehir with the pace and directness to unsettle any full-back.

Why they matter

Fayzullaev is the kind of wide threat who can turn a match in seconds — his ability to drive at defenders and create from nothing gives Uzbekistan their best route to moments of genuine magic against sides ranked well above them.

Watch for

In a group containing elite full-backs from Colombia and Portugal, the question is whether Fayzullaev's directness can expose even the best. Watch him on the counter — that transition moment from defence to attack is where he is most dangerous.

The Glue Guy

Oston Urunov

Persepolis

Oston Urunov operates on the left wing for Persepolis, bringing experience of competitive football across Asian club competition.

Why they matter

Urunov provides balance on the opposite flank to Fayzullaev, and his experience in high-pressure Asian football means he understands what it takes to perform when the stakes are at their highest — exactly what a World Cup debut demands.

Watch for

Watch how he combines with the left back to form an overlapping partnership, and whether his experience steadies the wide unit when Uzbekistan come under sustained pressure from Group K's heavier hitters.

The FutAve Watch

Jamshid Iskanderov

Jamshid Iskanderov is an attacking midfielder whose club is unlisted — a creative wildcard at the heart of Uzbekistan's engine room.

Why they matter

In a team built largely on domestic and regional-league players, Iskanderov's role as the number eight or ten is pivotal — he is the conduit between Uzbekistan's industrious midfield and their dangerous wide attackers, and his creative output will define their ceiling in Group K.

Watch for

Look for his movement in the half-spaces between opposition lines — if he finds pockets of time against Colombia and Portugal, Uzbekistan could generate chances that nobody outside Central Asia expected them to manufacture.

FutAve layer