Uzbekistan announce final squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Abdukodir Khusanov
Fabio Cannavaro’s side will make their first-ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup.
For Uzbekistan’s first FIFA World Cup finals appearance, coach Fabio Cannavaro chose an experienced team on Tuesday. Attacker Eldor Shomurodov and defender Abdukodir Khusanov will be the heart of the team.
Fabio Cannavaro, an Italian icon and former World Cup winner, will guide Uzbekistan into their first competition, hoping to defy expectations.
Along with his partner, Abbosbek Fayzullaev of Istanbul Basaksehir, captain Shomurodov will be the team’s primary attacking playmaker.
Khusanov, 22, of Manchester City, battled injuries early in the 2025-26 season. But he played frequently in the final stretch, helping them win the League Cup and the English FA Cup.
In 2026, Uzbekistan makes their historic World Cup debut. This is a team that strikes a mix between a developing offensive flair and defensive discipline. The White Wolves have been close to qualifying many times before.
Their roster indicates they are prepared to make a significant impact on the international scene. Uzbekistan’s first Group K match is against Colombia. This will be followed by games against Portugal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Also read: Jordan announce final squad & jersey numbers for FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. No.10 Mousa Al-Tamari
Uzbekistan FIFA World Cup 2026 final squad
Goalkeepers: Utkir Yusupov (Navbahor), Abduvohid Nematov (Nasaf), Botirali Ergashev (Neftchi)
Defenders: Rustam Ashurmatov (Esteghlal), Farrukh Sayfiev (Neftchi), Khojiakbar Alijonov (Pakhtakor), Sherzod Nasrullaev (Nasaf), Umar Eshmurodov (Nasaf), Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City), Abdulla Abdullaev (Dibba), Bekhruz Karimov (Surkhon), Jakhongir Urozov (Dinamo Samarqand), Avazbek Ulmasaliev (AGMK)
Midfielders: Otabek Shukurov (Baniyas), Jaloliddin Masharipov (Esteghlal), Odiljon Hamrobekov (Tractor), Oston Urunov (Persepolis), Jamshid Iskanderov (Neftchi), Dostonbek Khamdamov (Pakhtakor), Abbosbek Fayzullaev (Istanbul Basaksehir), Akmal Mozgovoy (Pakhtakor), Azizjon Ganiev (Al Bataeh), Sherzod Esanov (Bukhara)
Forwards: Eldor Shomurodov (Istanbul Basaksehir), Igor Sergeev (Persepolis), Azizbek Amonov (Bukhara)
Which group are Uzbekistan in?
They are in group K.
When is their first game?
On 18th June, 7:30 am IST against Colombia.
When was the last time they qualified for the World Cup?
This is their first time playing in the competition.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.