On June 5, an important match will take place in Abu Dhabi that will leave an indelible mark in the history of world football for Uzbekistan. The UAE – Uzbekistan clash at the "An-Nahyan" stadium is of historical significance for the "White Wolves" led by Timur Kapadze. Any positive result in this match could provide our national team with a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
Qualification process and group situation
The qualification stage for the 2026 World Cup in Asia is nearing its end. Two teams from three groups will directly advance to the final stage. In Group A, the Iranian national team has already clarified the situation in the previous round, while the main contenders for the second ticket — Uzbekistan and the UAE — will settle the matter between themselves on June 5.
So far, our compatriots are 4 points ahead of their rivals. Therefore, even a draw recorded in Abu Dhabi will lead Kapadze's students to the World Cup.
Uzbekistan's results and squad form
In the third round of qualification, the "White Wolves" recorded 5 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss in a total of 8 matches. This loss occurred in the away match against Qatar due to a last-minute goal. Moreover, our national team has only lost once in their last 25 official matches.
Uzbekistan's performance in this stage has been recognized by many experts not only for its effectiveness but also for its tactical stability.
The UAE will only take the field when a victory is necessary
The UAE national team arrives at the 9th round with 4 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses in the current stage. They have only one chance left for the second ticket — to defeat the "White Wolves" on their home ground. Therefore, they will be forced to employ aggressive and dangerous tactics.
The effectiveness of Eldor, Fayzullayev, and others
On the road to the World Cup, players like Eldor Shomurodov (4 goals + 4 assists), Abbosbek Fayzullayev (4+2), Oston O‘runov (4+1), Otabek Shukurov (3+2), and Jaloliddin Masharipov (1+4) have made significant contributions. This quintet has become the mainstay of the national team with a total of 35 goals+assists.
Additionally, we should not forget Otabek Shukurov's modest corner kick that resulted in a penalty goal in last year's match in Tashkent — that very goal secured our victory.
Head-to-head statistics
According to wildstat.ru, the two national teams have faced each other 16 times. Out of these, the UAE has won 7 matches, Uzbekistan 5 times, and 4 matches ended in a draw. Five of these matches were part of the World Cup qualification stage, in which the UAE won 3 times.
In the last encounter held in Tashkent in October 2024, the "White Wolves" achieved dominance and significantly impacted the group situation through that victory.
Conclusion: one point – the dream of a nation
Before this historic match, all our compatriots and football fans are looking at our national team with confidence and hope. For every player, coaching staff, and fans of the country, this game is not just another match — it is an event that could mark the beginning of a new chapter in Uzbekistan football.
On June 5, the "White Wolves" could enter history. And now, only one point is enough for that history.
