First contact: Uzbekistan's rise to the global stage

First contact: Uzbekistan's rise to the global stage 02.06.2026

Uzbekistan is set to make its historic debut in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first Central Asian nation to reach the prestigious tournament. The team, known for their defensive style and nicknamed "Asian Italy," will be managed by former Italian World Cup-winning defender Fabio Cannavaro, who took over in October. Under the previous coach, Timur Kapadze, Uzbekistan secured qualification by finishing second in their group, building on the work of Srecko Katanec. Cannavaro has selected a squad and is preparing for their opening match against Colombia in Mexico City on June 17, followed by games against Portugal and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group K. This achievement marks a significant moment for Uzbek football, which has a history dating back over a century.

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