The Uzbekistan national team has achieved a great milestone in its history – securing a spot in the World Cup. Many factors played a decisive role in our journey to the mundial, which will take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. Among these, one name must be mentioned – the experienced goalkeeper O‘tkir Yusupov.
Home matches – “clean sheet” record
In five matches held in Tashkent, our opponents – the national teams of Iran, Qatar, UAE, Kyrgyzstan, and North Korea – failed to score against us even once. This not only demonstrates a solid defense but also highlights Yusupov's high skill level.
Notably, none of the 17 teams that participated in the third round of the Asian qualifiers managed to keep a clean sheet in all their home matches. In this regard, Uzbekistan and Yusupov achieved an unparalleled result.
Reliable guardian on the road
The Uzbekistan team played a total of 10 matches, recording 7 wins and 3 draws. In away games, Yusupov also had two “clean” games against the UAE and North Korea. His penalty saves during these matches and his excellent positioning against dangerous shots confirm his vast experience and high form.
Overall statistics as a goalkeeper
Yusupov guarded the goal in 7 matches during the qualifying stage, keeping a clean sheet in five of them. Our national team scored a total of 14 goals and conceded 7 during this stage. This allowed the team to be recorded as the second team with the fewest goals conceded in the group (after Japan).
Progress at the club level
O‘tkir Yusupov is currently playing for the Iranian club “Fulad.” The goalkeeper, who joined this team in July 2024, managed to play in 29 matches last season, achieving 12 “clean” games. This result further confirms that he is one of the most reliable goalkeepers in Asia today.
For this reason, specialists and football fans are particularly recognizing Yusupov's unique “fortress-like” play. His current contract with “Fulad” is valid until June 30, 2026, meaning he is expected to be the main guardian of our national team in the mundial.
The Uzbekistan national team has achieved historical success, but this success is built on the hard work of dedicated and professional footballers. The reliable wall in goal – O‘tkir Yusupov – has become a bright symbol of this effort.
