Uzbekistan at World Cup 2026
Uzbekistan step onto the World Cup stage for the first time in 2026, carrying the hopes of one of Asia's most ambitious football nations. Watch every Uzbekistan match live in HD & 4K with WatchWorldCup26.
Frequently Asked Questions
Uzbekistan are in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and one remaining to-be-determined team. Their group-stage schedule runs from June 15 to June 25, 2026.
Yes. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is Uzbekistan's first-ever appearance at the senior men's World Cup finals, making this squad one of the most significant in the country's football history.
Srečko Katanec leads Uzbekistan into the 2026 tournament. The experienced Slovenian coach has built a side known for defensive organization, tactical discipline, and competitive resilience in qualifying.
The standout names include center-back Abdukodir Khusanov, captain Eldor Shomurodov, midfielder Otabek Shukurov, creator Jaloliddin Masharipov, and goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov. Khusanov in particular gives Uzbekistan a high-level defensive reference point against stronger opponents.
They are not favorites in Group K, but they are far from overmatched. Uzbekistan's structure, physical competitiveness, and improving talent base give them a realistic chance of fighting for a round-of-32 place, especially if they take points from either Colombia or the third group opponent before facing Portugal.
With WatchWorldCup26, you can stream every Uzbekistan match live in HD and 4K quality. Plans start at $10.99/month and include access to 47,964 live channels, plus extensive tournament coverage and on-demand highlights.
| Year | Competition | Stage/Result | Notes | Significance | Manager |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Asian Games | Gold Medal | Defeated regional opposition to claim title | Early statement of post-independence potential | Rauf Inileev |
| 2004 | AFC Asian Cup | Quarter-finals | Reached last eight on senior continental stage | Confirmed regional competitiveness | Bobby Houghton |
| 2006 | FIFA World Cup Qualifying | Playoff Exit | Painful near-miss after controversial playoff path | One of the closest qualification attempts | Vladimir Salkov |
| 2011 | AFC Asian Cup | 4th Place | Best Asian Cup finish | Showed capacity to compete deep into major tournaments | Vadim Abramov |
| 2023 | AFC Asian Cup | Quarter-finals | Disciplined campaign against stronger nations | Evidence of a maturing squad core | Srečko Katanec |
| 2026 | FIFA World Cup | Qualified | First-ever appearance at finals | Historic breakthrough for Uzbek football | Srečko Katanec |