Uzbekistan national football team facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Uzbekistan

Nicknames	White Wolves Turanians
Association	Uzbekistan Football Association (UFA)
Confederation	AFC (Asia)
Sub-confederation	CAFA (Central Asia)
Head coach	Fabio Cannavaro
Captain	Eldor Shomurodov
Most caps	Server Djeparov (128)
Top scorer	Eldor Shomurodov (44)
Home stadium	Milliy Stadium Pakhtakor Stadium
FIFA code	UZB
First colours Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current	89 6 (7 February 2019)
Highest	45 (November 2006 – January 2007)
Lowest	118 (November 1996)
First international
Tajikistan 2–2 Uzbekistan  (Dushanbe, Tajikistan; 17 June 1992)
Biggest win
Uzbekistan 15–0 Mongolia  (Chiang Mai, Thailand; 5 December 1998)
Biggest defeat
Japan 8–1 Uzbekistan  (Sidon, Lebanon; 17 October 2000)
World Cup
Appearances	1 (first in 2026)
Best result	Group stage (2026)
Asian Cup
Appearances	9 (first in 1996)
Best result	Fourth place (2011)
CAFA Nations Cup
Appearances	2 (first in 2023)
Best result	Champions (2025)
Medal record Asian Games Gold 1994 Hiroshima Team Afro-Asian Cup of Nations Silver 1995 Team CAFA Nations Cup Gold 2025 Team Silver 2023 Team

The Uzbekistan national football team represents Uzbekistan in international men's football games. The team is managed by the Uzbekistan Football Association. They are often called the White Wolves or Turanians.

Uzbekistan has the best football results among countries in Central Asia. They reached the semi-finals of the Asian Cup for the first time in 2011. They also won a gold medal at the Asian Games in 1994 in Japan. In 1995, they were runners-up in the Afro-Asian Cup of Nations.

The team made history by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time. This makes them the first Central Asian country and the third former Soviet Union state (after Russia and Ukraine) to play in the World Cup.

The Story of Uzbekistan Football

How Football Started in Uzbekistan

Football began in Uzbekistan around 1912. This was when the first football teams were formed in Kokand. The first championship in the Ferghana Valley happened in 1914. Uzbekistan was part of the Soviet Union (USSR) from 1924 to 1991. During this time, it was known as the Uzbekistan Soviet Socialist Republic (UzSSR).

In 1928, the Uzbekistan national team was created. They played in a big sports event called the Spartakiade. Here, they had their first international match against Switzerland and won 8–4.

After the Soviet Union ended, Uzbekistan became an independent country. A new national team was formed. Their first match was in 1992 against Tajikistan. In 1994, the Uzbekistan Football Federation officially joined the AFC and FIFA.

Exciting 1990s: Asian Games Gold!

In the 1994 Asian Games, Uzbekistan surprised everyone. They were in a tough group but won against strong teams like Saudi Arabia. They defeated Turkmenistan in the quarter-finals. Then, they beat South Korea 1–0 to reach their first final.

In the final game against China, Uzbekistan won 4–2. This earned them their first and only Asian gold medal, just two years after becoming independent! They tried to qualify for the 1998 FIFA World Cup but didn't make it.

Challenges and Progress in the 2000s

Uzbekistan continued to compete in the AFC Asian Cup. In 2004, they reached the quarter-finals, winning all their group matches. However, they lost to Bahrain in a penalty shootout. They also tried to qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. They were knocked out by Bahrain due to the away goals rule after a controversial series of matches. In the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, they again reached the quarter-finals but lost to Saudi Arabia.

The 2010s: Close Calls and Strong Performances

Uzbekistan aimed for the 2010 FIFA World Cup but finished last in their final qualification group. In the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, they had their best performance ever, finishing in fourth place. They reached the semi-finals but lost to Australia and then to South Korea in the third-place match.

Uzbekistan national team supporters during a qualification match for the 2010 World Cup.

For the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Uzbekistan again came very close. They finished third in their group, missing out on direct qualification by goal difference. They then lost to Jordan in a penalty shootout in the play-offs. In the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, they reached the quarter-finals but lost to South Korea in extra time. They also tried for the 2018 FIFA World Cup but finished fourth in their final qualification group. In the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, they reached the Round of 16 but lost to Australia in a penalty shootout.

Uzbekistan at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup.

Uzbekistan at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

Making History in the 2020s: World Cup Debut!

The 2020s brought new challenges and triumphs. Uzbekistan faced disappointment in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, narrowly missing out on the final round. However, they bounced back strongly. They qualified for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup by winning all their qualifying games without letting in a single goal. In the main tournament, they reached the quarter-finals but lost to hosts Qatar in a penalty shootout.

Uzbekistan squad against Iran at the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.

The biggest moment came in the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Uzbekistan played incredibly well, remaining unbeaten in their second qualifying round. They secured their spot in the World Cup for the first time ever with a match to spare! This is a huge achievement for the team and the country. They also won the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup by beating Iran 1–0 in the final.

Team Identity: Nicknames and Rivals

Cool Nicknames for the Team

The Uzbekistan national team has some fun nicknames. The most popular one is "The White Wolves" (Oq boʻrilar). They are also sometimes called "Asian Italy" because their team colors (white and blue) are similar to Italy's. Plus, both teams are known for their strong defensive play.

Another nickname is "Huma birds" (Humo qushlari). The mythical Huma bird is a national symbol of Uzbekistan. It is even shown on the country's emblem. They are also called "Turanians" (Turonliklar), because Uzbekistan is in the middle of an ancient region called Turan.

Friendly Rivalries in Football

The main rival for Uzbekistan's national team is the Kazakhstan national team. This rivalry goes way back to when both countries were part of the Soviet Union. Their top clubs, Pakhtakor Tashkent and Kairat Almaty, always competed to be the best in Central Asia. Even though Kazakhstan later joined European football (UEFA), fans in both countries still love to compare their teams.

Uzbekistan also has rivalries with Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan. In recent years, matches against Iran have become very important. Games against South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE are also big events.

Uzbekistan playing against Bahrain in 2009.

Uzbekistani fans cheering at the 2019 Asian Cup.

Team Kit Sponsors

The team has had various kit sponsors over the years, including well-known brands like Adidas, Puma, and Joma. Currently, their kits are supplied by 7SABER.

Home Grounds: Where the Team Plays

The main home stadiums for the Uzbekistan national football team are the Pakhtakor Central Stadium and the Milliy Stadium in Tashkent.

The historic Pakhtakor Central Stadium.

The Pakhtakor Central Stadium was built in 1956 and can hold 35,000 fans. It was also the home stadium for the Uzbekistan SSR team during the Soviet era.

The modern Milliy Stadium.

The Milliy Stadium, opened in 2012, can seat 34,000 spectators. Both stadiums are vibrant places where fans gather to support their team.

Recent Matches and Upcoming Games

The Uzbekistan national team has been very active in recent years.

In 2025, the team participated in the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup, where they became champions! They won against Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and secured a thrilling 1–0 extra-time victory over Iran in the final. They also played friendly matches, winning against Kuwait and Egypt, but losing to Uruguay. They also drew with Iran in the 2025 Al Ain International Cup final, winning on penalties.

In 2026, leading up to their first-ever World Cup appearance, Uzbekistan played several matches. They won against Gabon (3-1) and drew with Venezuela (0-0, winning on penalties) in the FIFA Series. They then played friendly matches, losing to Canada (0-2) and Netherlands (1-2).

Their historic journey in the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage began with a 1–3 loss to Colombia on June 17, 2026, followed by a 0–5 loss to Portugal on June 23, 2026. Their final group stage match is scheduled for June 27, 2026, against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Looking ahead, Uzbekistan has qualified for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Their group stage matches are scheduled for January 2027 against Jordan, North Korea, and Bahrain.

Team Coaches and Staff

Current head coach Fabio Cannavaro.

The current head coach for the Uzbekistan national team is Fabio Cannavaro from Italy. He works with a team of assistant coaches, a goalkeeper coach, and a fitness coach to help the players perform their best.

Position	Name
Head coach	Fabio Cannavaro
Assistant coaches	Paolo Cannavaro
Assistant coaches	Francesco Troise
Goalkeeper coach	Antonio Chimenti
Fitness coach	Eugenio Albarella

Meet the Players

Current Squad for the World Cup

The following 26 players were called up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Jaloliddin Masharipov withdrew due to a back injury and was replaced by Ruslanbek Jiyanov on June 15. Caps and goals are correct as of 23 June 2026, after the match against Portugal.

No.	Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club
1	1GK	Utkir Yusupov	(1991-01-04) 4 January 1991 (age 35)	41	0	Navbahor Namangan
12	1GK	Abduvohid Nematov	(2001-03-20) 20 March 2001 (age 25)	9	0	Nasaf
16	1GK	Botirali Ergashev	(1995-06-23) 23 June 1995 (age 31)	2	0	Neftchi Fergana
2	2DF	Abdukodir Khusanov	(2004-02-29) 29 February 2004 (age 22)	29	0	Manchester City
3	2DF	Khojiakbar Alijonov	(1997-04-19) 19 April 1997 (age 29)	41	2	Pakhtakor
4	2DF	Farrukh Sayfiev	(1991-01-17) 17 January 1991 (age 35)	46	1	Neftchi Fergana
5	2DF	Rustam Ashurmatov	(1996-07-07) 7 July 1996 (age 29)	51	1	Esteghlal
13	2DF	Sherzod Nasrullaev	(1998-07-23) 23 July 1998 (age 27)	33	2	Pakhtakor
15	2DF	Umar Eshmurodov	(1992-11-30) 30 November 1992 (age 33)	29	0	Nasaf
18	2DF	Abdulla Abdullaev	(1997-09-01) 1 September 1997 (age 28)	19	0	Dibba
24	2DF	Bekhruz Karimov	(2007-07-08) 8 July 2007 (age 18)	4	0	Surkhon Termiz
25	2DF	Avazbek Ulmasaliev	(2000-03-27) 27 March 2000 (age 26)	0	0	AGMK
26	2DF	Jakhongir Urozov	(2004-01-18) 18 January 2004 (age 22)	4	0	Dinamo Samarqand
6	3MF	Akmal Mozgovoy	(1999-04-02) 2 April 1999 (age 27)	27	1	Pakhtakor
7	3MF	Otabek Shukurov	(1996-06-22) 22 June 1996 (age 30)	86	9	Baniyas
8	3MF	Jamshid Iskanderov	(1993-10-16) 16 October 1993 (age 32)	38	4	Neftchi Fergana
9	3MF	Odiljon Hamrobekov	(1996-02-13) 13 February 1996 (age 30)	73	1	Tractor
11	3MF	Oston Urunov	(2000-12-19) 19 December 2000 (age 25)	43	10	Persepolis
17	3MF	Dostonbek Khamdamov	(1996-07-24) 24 July 1996 (age 29)	34	5	Pakhtakor
19	3MF	Azizjon Ganiev	(1998-02-22) 22 February 1998 (age 28)	20	0	Al Bataeh
22	3MF	Abbosbek Fayzullaev	(2003-10-03) 3 October 2003 (age 22)	34	9	İstanbul Başakşehir
23	3MF	Sherzod Esanov	(2003-02-01) 1 February 2003 (age 23)	2	0	Bukhara
10	4FW	Ruslanbek Jiyanov	(2001-06-05) 5 June 2001 (age 25)	9	1	Navbahor Namangan
14	4FW	Eldor Shomurodov (captain)	(1995-06-29) 29 June 1995 (age 31)	94	44	İstanbul Başakşehir
20	4FW	Azizbek Amonov	(1997-10-30) 30 October 1997 (age 28)	12	2	Dinamo Samarqand
21	4FW	Igor Sergeev	(1993-04-30) 30 April 1993 (age 33)	84	25	Persepolis

Player Records

Most Games Played

Server Djeparov is Uzbekistan's most capped player with 128 appearances.

These players have played the most matches for Uzbekistan. Players in bold are still active with the team.

Top Goal Scorers

Eldor Shomurodov is Uzbekistan's top scorer with 44 goals.

These players have scored the most goals for Uzbekistan. Players in bold are still active with the team.

Tournament History

FIFA World Cup Appearances

Uzbekistan made its first-ever appearance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Before that, they were part of the Soviet Union. They tried many times to qualify after gaining independence.

FIFA World Cup record											Qualification record
Year	Result	Position	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	Squad		Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	—
1930 to 1990	Part of the  Soviet Union.										Part of the  Soviet Union.
1994	Not eligible to participate.										Not a FIFA member						1994
1998	Did not qualify										14	6	4	4	33	21	1998
2002											14	7	3	4	33	19	2002
2006											14	6	5	3	24	15	2006
2010											16	8	1	7	33	17	2010
2014											18	11	5	2	28	9	2014
2018											18	11	1	6	26	14	2018
2022											8	5	0	3	18	9	2022
2026	Group stage		2	0	0	2	1	8	Squad		16	10	5	1	27	11	2026
2030	To be determined										To be determined						2030
2034																	2034
Total	TBD	1/8	2	0	0	2	1	8	—		118	64	24	30	222	115	—

AFC Asian Cup History

Uzbekistan has regularly competed in the AFC Asian Cup, which is the main football tournament in Asia. Their best result was finishing fourth in 2011.

AFC Asian Cup record											Qualification record
Year	Result	Position	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	Squad		Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	—
1956 to 1988	Part of the  Soviet Union										Part of the  Soviet Union
1992	Not an AFC member										Not an AFC member						1992
1996	Group stage	10th	3	1	0	2	3	6	Squad		2	1	0	1	5	4	1996
2000		12th	3	0	1	2	2	14	Squad		4	4	0	0	16	2	2000
2004	Quarter-finals	6th	4	3	1	0	5	2	Squad		6	4	1	1	13	6	2004
2007		7th	4	2	0	2	10	4	Squad		6	3	2	1	14	4	2007
2011	Fourth place	4th	6	3	1	2	10	13	Squad		4	3	0	1	7	3	2011
2015	Quarter-finals	8th	4	2	0	2	5	5	Squad		6	3	2	1	10	4	2015
2019	Round of 16	10th	4	2	1	1	7	3	Squad		8	7	0	1	20	7	2019
2023	Quarter-finals	5th	5	2	3	0	7	3	Squad		11	8	0	3	27	9	2023
2027	Qualified										6	4	2	0	13	4	2027
Total	Fourth place	9/9	33	15	7	11	49	50	—		53	37	7	9	125	43	—

Asian Games Football

Uzbekistan won a gold medal in football at the 1994 Asian Games. Since 2002, this tournament has been for players under 23 years old.

Asian Games record
Year	Result	Position	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	Squad
1951 to 1990	Part of the  Soviet Union
1994	Gold medal	1st	7	7	0	0	23	7	Squad
1998	Quarter-finals	7th	6	3	2	1	25	8	Squad
2002–present	See Uzbekistan national under-23 football team
Total	1 Gold medal	2/2	13	10	2	1	48	15	—

CAFA Nations Cup Success

Uzbekistan has performed very well in the CAFA Nations Cup, a regional tournament for Central Asian teams. They won the title in 2025.

CAFA Nations Cup record
Year	Result	Position	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	Squad
2023	Runners-up	2nd	4	3	0	1	10	2	Squad
2025	Champions	1st	4	3	1	0	8	2	Squad
Total	1 Title	2/2	8	6	1	1	18	4	—

Team Achievements and Awards

International Trophies

• Afro-Asian Cup of Nations
  • Runners-up (1): 1995

Continental Trophies

• Asian Games
  • Gold Medal (1): 1994

Regional Trophies

• CAFA Nations Cup
  • Champions (1): 2025
  • Runners-up (1): 2023

Friendly Tournament Wins

• FIFA Series (1): 2026
• Al Ain International Cup (1): 2025
• Nowruz Cup (1): 2022
• Merdeka Tournament (1): 2001

Special Awards

• CAFA Nations Cup Fair Play Award (1): 2023

See also

In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Uzbekistán para niños

• Uzbekistan national football team results
• Uzbekistan national under-23 football team
• Uzbekistan national under-20 football team
• Uzbekistan national under-17 football team
• Uzbekistan national futsal team
• Uzbekistan women's national futsal team
• Football in Uzbekistan
• Sport in Uzbekistan