Uzbekistan's national team qualified for the World Cup for the first time in its history, fulfilling the long-standing dream of millions of fans. This joyous event occurred during the decisive match of the World Cup 2026 qualifying round against the United Arab Emirates.
Before the match, the Uzbek players were four points ahead of the UAE team in the tournament standings. Therefore, a draw would have been enough for Uzbekistan to qualify for the major tournament. However, the UAE team needed a victory. Thus, it was clear that this match would be extremely tense and complicated.
From the very first minutes of the match, the home team was determined to win. They created several dangerous situations early on. In those difficult moments, Uzbekistan's reliable goalkeeper O'tkir Yusupov emerged as the hero of the team, repeatedly preserving the integrity of the goal. Yusupov saved at least three clear shots on goal from the opponent, earning the respect of his teammates and millions of fans.
The captain of our national team and the mainstay of the attack, Eldor Shomurodov, also acted under great pressure in this match. Representing the prestigious Italian Serie A club "Roma," Shomurodov fought hard throughout the game. However, this time his unique attacks did not result in a goal. Nevertheless, every move he made and every challenge he engaged in provided significant moral support for the team.
The final score of the match was 0:0. However, this draw became the most important event in Uzbekistan's football history. This result secured our national team a spot in the World Cup for the first time in its history.
This historic success caused a great stir not only in Uzbekistan but also abroad. For instance, Gabriele Conti, an expert from Italy's prestigious sports publication Vocegiallorossa.it, noted that although Eldor Shomurodov could not showcase himself in this match, as the team captain, he achieved an important result.
"In the match held against the hosts in the United Arab Emirates, Eldor Shomurodov could not showcase himself. However, as the captain of the Uzbekistan national team, he managed to secure a spot in the World Cup.
The "Roma" forward played the entire match against the Arabs but did not score. However, the goalless draw was enough for Uzbekistan to qualify for the World Cup next summer for the first time in the country's history."
Another Italian source, the website Laroma24.it, also described Uzbekistan's qualification for the World Cup as a significant event, emphasizing that "Roma" striker Eldor Shomurodov made a substantial contribution to this historic moment.
"Uzbekistan will participate in the World Cup in 2026. Eldor Shomurodov's team drew with the hosts in the United Arab Emirates – 0:0.
The "Roma" forward was active throughout the match and made a significant contribution to the national team's qualification for the World Cup."
Polish football expert Krzysztof Sobczak also expressed his views on this event, congratulating the Uzbekistan national team on its first participation in the World Cup. He wrote that the Uzbek players had a very challenging game away and ultimately fulfilled a long-standing dream.
"The Uzbekistan national team will debut in the World Cup. Eldor Shomurodov and his teammates drew with the United Arab Emirates players, securing a spot in the World Cup to be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The situation in the group was clear. With two rounds remaining in the third phase of the regional qualifying tournament, the Uzbeks needed to maintain a four-point lead over their closest pursuer, the UAE, and a draw would suffice in the away match. The Uzbeks achieved this.
There were no goals in the match, but Uzbekistan can celebrate qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in its history."
Although the qualifying phase has not officially concluded for the Uzbekistan national team, the team has already qualified for the next stage ahead of schedule. Now, the final qualifying match will take place on June 10 at the "Bunyodkor" stadium in Tashkent against the Qatar national team. This game is expected to turn into a grand celebration for Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan's qualification for the World Cup will undoubtedly remain a bright chapter in the history of football in the country. This victory is sure to give a significant boost to the development of football in our country and help young players realize their dreams. Participation in the World Cup is not only a new experience for our team but also an important step for the recognition of Uzbekistan football on the world stage.
Now preparations will begin to honorably represent Uzbekistan in the World Cup. Millions of fans are celebrating this historic event and eagerly awaiting participation in the World Cup. We hope that this historic day will open the door to many new victories.
