Uzbekistan World Cup 2026 Squad — Players, Manager & Group

Uzbekistan make their World Cup debut — a historic moment for Central Asia

Uzbekistan are making their World Cup debut in 2026 after years of near misses in Asian qualifying. The Central Asian nation has been consistently competitive in the AFC region but never quite made it to the tournament until now. This is a moment of immense national pride for a country where football is the most popular sport.

Eldor Shomurodov — the only Uzbek player in a top European league

Eldor Shomurodov of Roma is the only Uzbek player currently playing in a top European league and his inclusion gives the team a level of quality that elevates the entire squad. The striker has experience in Serie A and brings a technical ability and goal threat that will be Uzbekistan's primary attacking weapon throughout the tournament.

Group K is brutal — Portugal, Colombia and DR Congo all ahead on paper

Group K contains Portugal with Ronaldo, Colombia with Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez, and DR Congo. Realistically Uzbekistan are the clear underdogs in every single game. But the AFC has produced upsets before — Saudi Arabia beat Argentina, South Korea reached the semifinals in 2002. Uzbekistan will not simply accept their role as the weakest team.

A domestic squad with two European exceptions

The squad is almost entirely composed of players from the Uzbek domestic league — Pakhtakor, FK Nasaf, AGMK — with the exception of Shomurodov at Roma and Bakaev at Dynamo Moscow. The technical level of the Uzbek Super League is significantly below European football and that gap will be exposed in Group K.

Srecko Katanec — tactical discipline built over years in the AFC

Manager Srecko Katanec is a Slovenian legend who has worked across Eastern Europe and Central Asia for many years. He has brought tactical organisation and discipline to Uzbekistan that have made them difficult to beat in Asian qualifying. Whether that translates to the World Cup stage against elite European and South American opposition is the test.

A nation of 35 million finding their place through sport

This is not just a football story — it is a story about a nation of 35 million people finding their place in the world through sport. Central Asia has historically been overlooked in football conversations. Uzbekistan qualifying for the World Cup changes that narrative permanently.

Who is in Uzbekistan's World Cup 2026 squad?

Full 26-man squad listed above including Eldor Shomurodov.

Who is Uzbekistan's manager at World Cup 2026?

Srecko Katanec, the former Slovenia international.

What group are Uzbekistan in at World Cup 2026?

Group K with Portugal, DR Congo and Colombia.

When do Uzbekistan play their first World Cup game?

June 17 vs Colombia at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City.

Is this Uzbekistan's first World Cup?

Yes — 2026 is Uzbekistan's historic World Cup debut.