Uzbekistan starting lineup vs Colombia confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026 match
(Courtesy : Getty)
The White Wolves are making their World Cup debut in tonight’s match at Estadio Azteca.
Uzbekistan will kick off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a Group K clash against Colombia in Mexico City on June 17. This will be a historic occasion as the White Wolves will become the first Central Asian side to ever play in a World Cup match.
The former Soviet nation were superb in their AFC qualifying campaign, losing just once in 16 matches and finishing behind Iran. They still opted to upgrade at head coach, replacing Timur Kapadze with former World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro.
However, the new-look side lost both of their warm-up friendlies this year, both played in June: a 2-0 loss to Canada followed by a 2-1 reversal against 10-man Netherlands. Drawn in a tough group also containing Portugal and DR Congo, the Uzbeks will look to get a positive result against their South American opponents tonight.
Also Read: Uzbekistan vs Colombia: Five key battles to watch out for in FIFA World Cup 2026
Let’s look at the Uzbekistan confirmed lineup for the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Colombia:
Uzbekistan (3-4-2-1): Utkir Yusupov; Abdukodir Khusanov, Abdulla Abdullaev, Rustamjon Ashurmatov; Bekhruz Karimov, Otabek Shukurov, Akmal Mozgovoy, Sherzod Nasrulloev; Abbosbek Fayzullayev, Oston Urunov; Eldor Shomurodov (c).
Substitutes: Botirali Ergashev (gk), Abduvakhid Nematov (gk), Khozhiakbar Alizhonov, Azizbek Amonov, Sherzod Esanov, Umar Eshmurodov, Azizjon Ganiev, Jamshid Iskanderov, Ruslanbek Jiyanov, Dostonbek Khamdamov, Odildzhon Khamrobekov, Farrukh Sayfiev, Igor Sergeev, Avazbek Ulmasaliev, Jakhongir Urozov.
Thoughts on the lineup
Cannavaro stuck with his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, setting up his side with a defensive shape to soak up the Colombian pressure.
35-year-old Utkir Yusupov starts between the sticks. In front of him is the three-man defensive line led by Manchester City starlet Abdukodir Khusanov, who is joined by Abdulla Abdullaev and the experienced Rustamjon Ashurmatov. Bekhruz Karimov and Sherzod Nasrulloev start in the wing-back positions.
Akmal Mozgovoy and Otabek Shukurov form the central-midfield partnership. Istanbul Basaksehir attacker Abbosbek Fayzullayev, who scored four goals in the AFC qualifiers, supports the attack. He is joined by Persepolis’ Oston Urunov in the absence of Jaloliddin Masharipov, who is out with a hernia.
Eldor Shomurodov, on loan at Basaksehir from Roma, is the lone striker tonight. He is the all-time top scorer for the White Wolves with 44 goals in 92 matches.
When is Uzbekistan vs Colombia FIFA World Cup 2026 match?
The Group K clash is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico. In India, the match will kick off at 7:30 AM IST on June 18.
Where to watch Uzbekistan vs Colombia match in India?
Fans in India can watch the game live on Zee5 (premium subscription required) or on Unite8 Sports TV channels.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.