Uzbekistan at the World Cup 2026
Uzbekistan arrive at the 2026 World Cup making their first-ever appearance — a historic moment for the Central Asian nation. Timur Kapadze, the former Uzbekistan captain, has been head coach since 2024 and architected the qualification.
The squad's defining individual is Abdukodir Khusanov — the centre-back signed by Manchester City in January 2025 for £40m from Lens, one of the largest transfer fees ever paid for a defender from a Central Asian nation. Eldor Shomurodov (Roma) is the central striker. Khojiakbar Alijonov and Jaloliddin Masharipov provide additional attacking depth.
Group K contains Portugal, Colombia and DR Congo. Uzbekistan are competing with DR Congo for third place behind Portugal and Colombia. The realistic ceiling is one credible group-stage result. Outright tournament price 501.0.
Outright odds — Uzbekistan to win World Cup 2026
Group K fixtures
All three group-stage matches for Uzbekistan at World Cup 2026 with current odds from our partner books.
Squad & predicted XI
Ergashev · Khusanov, Solomin, Eshmuradov, Sayfiev · Yakhshiboev, Khasanov, Boltayev · Shomurodov, Norchaev, Khojiakbar
Formation: 4-3-3 · Coach: Timur Kapadze
| Player | Position | Club | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utkir Yusupov | GK | Pakhtakor | 30 | 0 |
| Abdukodir Khusanov | DF | Manchester City | 18 | 0 |
| Khojimat Erkinov | DF | Maccabi Haifa | 50 | 1 |
| Rustam Ashurmatov | DF | Cherkasy | 60 | 4 |
| Sherzod Azamov | DF | Pakhtakor | 35 | 0 |
| Otabek Shukurov | MF | Pakhtakor | 60 | 4 |
| Azizbek Turgunboev | MF | Lokomotiv Tashkent | 26 | 3 |
| Jaloliddin Masharipov | FW | Sharjah | 70 | 15 |
| Eldor Shomurodov (c) | FW | Roma | 75 | 28 |
| Igor Sergeev | FW | Cherkasy | 80 | 23 |
How Uzbekistan qualified for World Cup 2026
Uzbekistan qualified from AFC Round 3 Group A, finishing second behind Iran with 17 points from 10 matches. Five wins, two draws, three defeats. Sealed qualification with a 0-0 home draw against UAE in October 2025.
Shomurodov finished as the squad's leading qualifying scorer with 6 goals. Khusanov contributed defensive structure that conceded only 6 goals across the campaign. The Kapadze tactical system is a flexible 4-3-3 with the central forward dropping to create space for the wide attackers.
World Cup history
Uzbekistan's 2026 World Cup is their first-ever appearance at the tournament — the country has competed in the AFC Asian Cup six times since their 1994 federation independence (best result: 2011 fourth place). The 2026 qualification therefore represents the historic high-water mark of post-Soviet Uzbek football.
| Player | Position | Club | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maksim Shatskikh | FW | retired | 61 | 34 |
| Eldor Shomurodov | FW | Roma | 75 | 28 |
| Igor Sergeev | FW | Cherkasy | 80 | 23 |
| Mirjalol Kasimov | MF | retired | 64 | 22 |
| Server Djeparov | MF | retired | 122 | 18 |
| Jaloliddin Masharipov | FW | Sharjah | 70 | 15 |
FAQ
Is this Uzbekistan's first World Cup?
Yes. Uzbekistan's 2026 World Cup is their first-ever appearance at the tournament — a historic moment for the country after multiple near-misses in previous AFC qualifying cycles.
Who is Uzbekistan's coach at World Cup 2026?
Timur Kapadze, the former Uzbekistan captain. He has been head coach since 2024 and delivered the historic qualification.
Who is Uzbekistan's most-famous current player?
Abdukodir Khusanov — the centre-back signed by Manchester City in January 2025 for £40m from Lens. One of the largest transfer fees ever paid for a defender from a Central Asian nation. He is 22 years old.
Who is Uzbekistan's all-time top scorer?
Maksim Shatskikh with 34 goals from 61 caps. The Soviet-era trained striker retired in 2014 after a long Dynamo Kyiv career. Eldor Shomurodov is the active top scorer with 28 goals.
What group is Uzbekistan in at World Cup 2026?
Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia and DR Congo. Portugal favourites at 1.40; Colombia second at 2.30; Uzbekistan and DR Congo compete for third and fourth. Uzbekistan open against Colombia on 23 June and conclude against DR Congo.