Uzbekistan predicted lineup vs Colombia for FIFA World Cup 2026

Uzbekistan and Colombia will face off for the first time at the FIFA World Cup.

Debutants Uzbekistan will face Colombia in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at the Mexico City Stadium on Wednesday, June 17. The two sides are drawn in group K alongside Portugal and the DR Congo.

Uzbekistan have qualified for the World Cup for the first time by securing an automatic qualification spot from the AFC. They have also become the first nation from Central Asia to play in the biggest football tournament.

The White Wolves came close to qualifying for the World Cup in the last three editions; however, they eventually missed out, earning them the title of ‘nearly men’. In the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, they have delivered stellar, consistent performances, securing second place in Group A, trailing only Iran.

Managed by 2006 Italian World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro, the White Wolves faced Canada and the Netherlands in their pre-World Cup friendlies, suffering defeats in both games. But they did show their defensive resilience, which will be the team’s biggest strength.

Cannavaro has also introduced a more physical style in the team. In the first match, Uzbekistan have got a huge challenge as they are up against South American giants Colombia.

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Uzbekistan team news ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 clash against Colombia

Midfielder Jaloliddin Masharipov will miss the game due to a hernia. Nevertheless, he’s expected to make his return for the White Wolves in the latter part of June.

In goal, Utkir Yusupov is expected to continue delivering consistent performances under pressure, as he did during the qualifying round. Manchester City youngster Abdukodir Khusanov, alongside Abdulla Abdullaev and Rustam Ashurmatov, will be responsible for defending.

Meanwhile, Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Oston Urunov and Eldor Shomurodov will feature as Uzbekistan’s primary attacking unit. The White Wolves play a counterattack-heavy style of football while maintaining defensive compactness. If they manage to frustrate the opponent, they see a goalscoring opportunity.

Uzbekistan’s predicted line-up vs. Colombia

Uzbekistan predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Yusupov; Khusanov, Abdullaev, Ashurmatov; Sayfiev, Shukurov, Mozgovoy, Nazrullaev; Fayzullaev, Urunov; Shomurodov

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