Uzbekistan has made history by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time, igniting celebrations across the nation. The Central Asian team secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup after a crucial 0-0 draw against the United Arab Emirates, with one round of Asian qualifiers remaining. They then capped off their campaign with a dominant 3-0 victory over Qatar in the final match held in Tashkent, the country’s capital.
To honor this remarkable achievement, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev presented special gifts to the entire national team and coaching staff. In a grand gesture, 40 Chinese brand BYD cars were brought onto the field, and the keys were handed over to the players and coaches, recognizing their historic qualification.
Uzbekistan finished second in their qualifying group behind Iran, who also secured a World Cup berth. Meanwhile, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will continue to compete for a spot in the next round of qualifiers.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 48 teams for the first time, making Uzbekistan’s debut on this expanded global stage a significant milestone for the nation and Central Asian football.