FIFA World Cup 2026: Despite losses, World Cup debut marks the start of a new era for Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan’s 0-5 defeat to Portugal in Houston all but ended the country’s chance of reaching the knockout rounds despite a match in hand in its first World Cup appearance. But for a country that has spent the past decade methodically laying the foundations for a football future, the tournament represented something far more important than the result.

When the final whistle blew, coach Fabio Cannavaro chose perspective over disappointment. “Today we played against one of the greatest players in history,” Cannavaro said. “For our players, this tournament has been an incredible experience and an important step in their development.”

The Italian’s words reflected the broader significance of Uzbekistan’s presence in North America. A country ranked 58th in the world had landed on football’s biggest stage through a decade-long plan.

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The foundation was laid after Shavkat Mirziyoyev became president in 2016, and since then government-funded academies have spread across the country of 38.2 million.

According to reports from Kazakhstan’s National News Agency, QazinformThe Central Asian country has built 75 large and 302 mini stadiums and is now spending $100 million to build a new stadium in Tashkent for the 2027 FIFA U20 World Cup, which the country will co-host with Azerbaijan.

According to Kun.uzthe largest and most read digital news platform in Uzbekistan, the government has also pledged significant financial support to Super League clubs through the Sports Initiatives Support Fund of the Ministry of Sports.

Each of the 16 clubs is expected to receive UZS 35 billion in 2026, with funding gradually decreasing to UZS 30 billion per club in 2027 and UZS 25 billion in 2028. Players and coaches competing in the Super League and Pro League, meanwhile, received 100 percent personal income tax exemption.

According to a report by the President’s Office, the government has also constructed sports grounds in more than 1,500 mahallas. There are 9,361 such self-governing neighborhoods in the country.

The results were visible long before this World Cup.

In 2023, Uzbekistan defeated England, drew with Spain and narrowly lost to France in the quarter-finals of the Under-17 World Cup, while the under-20 team reached the round of 16 of the 2023 Under-20 World Cup.

At continental level, the Under-20 team won the 2023 AFC Under-20 Asian Cup, while the Under-17 boys were crowned 2025 champions.

The increase is perhaps best illustrated by comparison. In 2018, Uzbekistan was ranked 95th in the world, just two places above India at 97. Eight years later, the gap between the two countries has widened further, with India now ranked 138th in the world.

India finished third in its group in the second round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, while Uzbekistan qualified for its first World Cup after finishing second in Group A in the third and final round of qualifiers.

After conceding eight goals in two matches, Uzbekistan’s World Cup adventure may be coming to an end. But for a country that has spent a decade building to this moment, the tournament is just the start of something bigger.

Published on June 24, 2026