For the first time in football history, Uzbekistan is headed to the FIFA World Cup! The national team secured a historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making them the first Central Asian country to ever reach the tournament’s main stage.
The monumental moment came after Uzbekistan defeated Qatar 3-0 in their final Asian qualifying match on June 10, 2025, at the Pakhtakor Stadium in Tashkent. The victory marked the end of a remarkable qualification journey that had already been sealed with a 1-1 draw against the UAE five days earlier on June 5.
To celebrate the milestone, the Uzbek government rolled out 40 brand-new BYD cars onto the pitch after the match. Each member of the national team, including players and coaching staff, was handed the keys to their brand-new vehicles as a symbol of national pride and gratitude.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a special decree honoring the team’s efforts, awarding several players and coaches with honorary titles, medals, and decorations in recognition of their outstanding contribution to national sports.
The match saw goals from key players:
Azizbek Turgunboev, who plays for Turkish club Sivasspor, struck first in the 28th minute.
Eldor Shomurodov, forward for Italy’s AS Roma, added a second in the 86th minute.
Igor Sergeev, a Pakhtakor player with previous stints in Kazakhstan, sealed the win in stoppage time.
The final score: Uzbekistan 3 – Qatar 0.
Under the leadership of Timur Kapadze, who replaced Slovenian coach Srečko Katanec, the Uzbek squad demonstrated tactical discipline, solid teamwork, and a passionate drive to make history.
With this win, Uzbekistan finished second in their group, just behind Iran, who also qualified. The UAE and Qatar will move to the next round in hopes of securing a World Cup berth.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest yet, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026. This will also be the first World Cup to feature 48 national teams, with Asia allocated 8.5 spots (including one intercontinental playoff position).
Uzbekistan’s journey to the world stage is more than just a sporting achievement — it’s a story of determination, unity, and national celebration. Their reward? A place in the world’s biggest football tournament and a set of keys to a brand-new ride.
