Uzbekistan's squad list for the 2026 World Cup.

Uzbekistan's squad update for the 2026 World Cup: Coach Fabio Cannavaro announces preliminary list ahead of the tournament.

Uzbekistan qualified for the World Cup for the first time in history as an independent nation (formerly part of the Soviet Union). The team was also the first Central Asian representative to participate in the World Cup.

Qualifying results and history

Uzbekistan lost only one match throughout the two rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The team secured qualification convincingly in the third round of their group. They participated in and hosted part of the FIFA Series 2026 before the tournament, accumulating valuable experience.

Uzbekistan became the first Central Asian team to qualify for the World Cup, and also the third former Soviet republic (after Russia and Ukraine) to qualify.

The former captain of Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning team is now managing Uzbekistan. Cannavaro, who delivered a stellar performance against Germany in that tournament, was ranked 33rd on FourFourTwo's list of the greatest individual performances in history. He hopes his championship experience will inspire Uzbekistan 20 years later.

Preliminary list of the Uzbekistan national team (by position)

Most players play domestically, with the exception of a few notable cases such as Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City, Premier League), Eldor Shomurodov and Abbosek Fayzullaev (both Basaksehir), Oston Urunov (Persepolis), and Jaloliddin Masharipov (Esteghlal).

Goalkeeper (4):Vladimir Nazarov (Pakhtakor), Utkir Yusupov (Navbahor), Botirali Ergashev (Neftchi), Abduvokhid Nematov (Nasaf).

Defender (17):Ibrohimkhalil Yuldoshev (Neftchi), Avazbek Ulmasaliev (AGMK), Jakhongir Urozov (Dinamo Samarqand), Rustam Ashurmatov (Esteghlal), Mukhammadkodir Khamraliev (Pakhtakor), Umar Eshmurodov (Nasaf), Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City), Abdulla Abdullaev (Dibba Al Fujairah), Farrukh Sayfiev (Neftchi), Khojiakbar Alijonov (Pakhtakor), Sherzod Nasrullaev (Nasar), Muhammadrasul Abdumajidov (Pakhtakor), Behruz Karimov (Surkhon), Diyor Ortikboev (Khorozm).

Midfielder (15):Kuvondik Ruziev (Neftchi), Sherzod Esanov (Buxoro), Nodirbek Abdurazzokov (AGMK), Odiljon Khamrobekov (Tractor), Umarali Rakhmonaliev (Sabah), Alisher Odilov (Neftchi), Sardorbek Rakhmonov (Nasaf), Akmal Mozgovoy (Pakhtakor), Otabek Shukurov (Baniyas), Jamshid Iskanderov (Neftchi), Jasurbek Jaloliddinov (Sogdiana), Azizjon Ganiev (Al Bataeh).

Forward (10):Abbosek Fayzullaev (Basaksehir), Jaloliddin Masharipov (Esteghlal), Dostonbek Khamdamov (Pakhtakor), Oston Urunov (Persepolis), Ruslanbek Jiyanov (Navbahor), Azizbek Amonov (Buxoro), Khusain Norchaev (Navbahor), Sherzod Temirov (Erbil), Igor Sergeev (Persepolis), Eldor Shomurodov (Basaksehir).

Uzbekistan may not be considered a top contender, but their very presence is a historic achievement. With experience from the FIFA Series and the leadership of world champion Cannavaro, this team promises to spring a surprise at the tournament taking place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.