Uzbekistan World Cup 2026 Squad Revealed: Fabio Cannavaro’s Surprising Choices Spark Speculation Ahead of Draw
Uzbekistan is stepping onto the World Cup stage for the very first time as an independent nation, and let me tell you, this squad has already made history. After a grueling qualification campaign where they only stumbled once, they cruised through their group in the third round with a confidence that caught many off guard. It’s a remarkable feat for a team that’s been flying under the radar for so long. Come 2026, not only will they be competing, but they’ll also have the honor of co-hosting the tournament—a huge spotlight moment for Central Asia. Most of the roster features homegrown talent grinding it out in local leagues, but they’ve got some firepower abroad too, including Abdukodir Khusanov sharpening his skills at Manchester City. And with World Cup-winning legend Fabio Cannavaro at the helm, Uzbekistan’s hopes are riding on a blend of raw ambition and seasoned guidance. It’s a story of grit, history, and a whole lot of heart headed into the biggest stage of them all.
The Uzbekistan World Cup 2026 squad are history-makers as the nation’s first ever side to qualify.
Across their two rounds of World Cup 2026 qualification they only lost once, and qualified quite comfortably in their group in the third round.
They’ll play in the second FIFA series in 2026 ahead of the World Cup, where they will be a host of the event.
Uzbekistan will debut as an independent nation at the 2026 World Cup having previously been part of the Soviet Union.
Most of their squad plays their football in the country, with a few exceptions, including Abdukodir Khusanov who plays for Manchester City in the Premier League.
They have a big name manager in the shape of Fabio Cannavaro, and will be hoping his World Cup-winning experience with Italy will inspire their side 20 years on. His performance against Germany in that tournament is ranked at no.33 in FourFourTwo‘s list of the greatest individual performances of all time.
Their qualification for the 2026 World Cup saw them become the first central Asian team to qualify for the tournament as well as the third former Soviet Union state after Russia and Ukraine.
Squad
Uzbekistan’s World Cup 2026 squad: The latest selection
- GK: Vladimir Nazarov (Pakhtakor)
- GK: Abduvohid Nematov (Nasaf)
- GK: Botirali Ergashev (Neftchi)
- DF: Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City)
- DF: Khojiakbar Alijonov (Pakhtakor)
- DF: Farrukh Sayfiev (Neftchi)
- DF: Rustam Ashurmatov (Esteghlal)
- DF: Sherzod Nasrullaev (Nasaf)
- DF: Umar Eshmurodov (Nasaf)
- DF: Abdulla Abdullaev (Dibba)
- DF: Husniddin Aliqulov (Caykur Rizespor)
- DF: Mukhammadkodir Khamraliev (Pakhtakor)
- MF: Akmal Mozgovoy (Baniyas)
- MF: Otabek Shukurov (Baniyas)
- MF: Jamshid Iskanderov (Neftchi)
- MF: Odiljon Hamrobekov (Tractor)
- MF: Azizjon Ganiev (Al Bataeh)
- MF: Oston Urunov (Persepolis)
- MF: Dostonbek Khamdamov (Pakhtakor)
- MF: Azizbek Turgunboev (Pakhtakor)
- MF: Khojimat Erkinov (Pakhtakor)
- MF: Ruslanbek Jiyanov (Navbahor)
- MF: Sardorbek Bakhromov (Nasaf)
- FW: Eldor Shomurodov (Istanbul Basaksehir) (captain)
- FW: Igor Sergeev (Pakhtakor)
- FW: Khusayin Norchaev (Nasaf)
Fixtures and results
November 18: Iran 0–0 Uzbekistan (3–4 p), Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
November 14: Uzbekistan 2–0 Egypt, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
October 13: Uzbekistan 1–2 Uruguay, Hang Jebat Stadium, Malacca City, Malaysia
October 9: Uzbekistan 2–0 Kuwait, Olympic City Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
September 8: Uzbekistan 1–0 Iran (a.e.t.), Olympic City Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
September 5: Uzbekistan 4–0 Kyrgyzstan, Olympic City Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
September 2: Turkmenistan 1–2 Uzbekistan, Olympic City Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
August 30: Uzbekistan 1–1 Oman, Olympic City Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
June 10: Uzbekistan 3–0 Qatar, Milliy Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
June 5: United Arab Emirates 0–0 Uzbekistan, Al Nahyan Stadium, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
March 25: Iran 2–2 Uzbekistan, Azadi Stadium, Tehran, Iran
March 20: Uzbekistan 1–0 Kyrgyzstan, Milliy Stadium, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
January 27: Uzbekistan 0–0 Jordan, Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar
Manager
Who is Uzbekistan’s manager?
Ballon d’Or winner Fabio Cannavaro will take charge of Uzbekistan at their first ever World Cup.
His previous managerial experience includes spells in China, Saudi Arabia and Italy, none of which have been that successful.
This is second spell in charge of a national team, having taken charge of China for two games whilst also in charge of Chinese club side Guangzhou.
Star player
Who is Uzbekistan’s star player?
Attack wins games, defence wins titles. Whilst Uzbekistan are unlikely to win the World Cup, going far in the tournament will rely on a strong defence and tying in games, allowing the strikers to try and grab a late goal.
Abdukodir Khusanov of Manchester City will be vital in allowing that to happen. He made the move to the Premier League in January 2025 after just 18 months at Ligue 1 side Lens.
Under Pep Guardiola’s tutelage he will gain valuable experience which could greatly benefit his nation in their first ever World Cup.
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