Jump to content

Uzbekistan national football team

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Uzbekistan
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)Oq boʻrilar (White Wolves)
Turanians
AssociationUzbekistan Football Association (UFA)
ConfederationAFC (Asia)
Sub-confederationCAFA (Central Asia)
Head coachFabio Cannavaro
CaptainEldor Shomurodov
Most capsServer Djeparov (128)
Top scorerEldor Shomurodov (47)
Home stadiumBunyodkor Stadium
Pakhtakor Stadium
Olympic City Stadium
FIFA codeUZB
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 59 Increase 1 (7 October 2026)[1]
Highest45 (November 2006 – January 2007)
Lowest118 (November 1996)
First international
 Tajikistan 2–2 Uzbekistan 
(Dushanbe, Tajikistan; 17 June 1992)
Biggest win
 Uzbekistan 15–0 Mongolia 
(Chiang Mai, Thailand; 5 December 1998)
Biggest defeat
 Japan 8–1 Uzbekistan 
(Sidon, Lebanon; 17 October 2000)
World Cup
Appearances1 (first in 2026)
Best resultGroup stage (2026)
Asian Cup
Appearances9 (first in 1996)
Best resultFourth place (2011)
CAFA Nations Cup
Appearances2 (first in 2023)
Best resultChampions (2025)
Medal record
Asian Games
Gold medal – first place1994 HiroshimaTeam
Afro-Asian Cup of Nations
Silver medal – second place1995Team
CAFA Nations Cup
Gold medal – first place2025Team
Silver medal – second place2023Team

The Uzbekistan national football team (Uzbek: Oʻzbekiston milliy futbol terma jamoasi, Ўзбекистон миллий футбол терма жамоаси) represents Uzbekistan in men's international football and is controlled by the Uzbekistan Football Association, the governing body for football in Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan holds the highest competitive results among teams from Central Asia. At the 2011 Asian Cup, Uzbekistan reached the semi-finals of the tournament for the first time. At other competitions such as the Asian Games, Uzbekistan won the gold medal in 1994 in Japan, while finishing as the runners-up at the Afro-Asian Cup of Nations in 1995. They qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 2026, becoming the first Central Asian country and the third post-Soviet state after Russia and Ukraine to qualify for the tournament.[2][3]

History

[edit]

Early history

[edit]

Since 1992, Uzbekistan gained independence and a new Uzbek national team was organized. The national team held its first match in 1992, a game against Tajikistan, in the framework of the 1992 Central Asian Cup (the tournament was held once, initiated by FIFA). In 1992, Uzbekistan was also a member of the CIS national football team and instead participated in Euro 1992. The Uzbek national team did not play the following year.

Most of the republics became members of UEFA (Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan). While Uzbekistan also wanted to become a member of UEFA, the rest of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan), chose the Asian Football Confederation. In 2002, Kazakhstan became a member of UEFA for football development, but Uzbekistan chose to remain in the AFC.[citation needed]

In 1994, the Uzbekistan Football Federation was officially adopted by the AFC and FIFA. In the same year Uzbekistan won the Uzbekistan Independence Cup.

1990s

[edit]
1994 Asian Games Final starting lineup on 16 October 1994, in Hiroshima (Japan)

In the 1994 Asian Games, Uzbekistan were grouped with powerhouse Saudi Arabia, Thailand and Malaysia, alongside Hong Kong. After a 4–1 victory over the Saudis, Uzbekistan followed up with a 5–0 victory over Malaysia and a 1–0 win over Hong Kong before winning the group with a 5–4 win against Thailand. In the quarter-finals, Uzbekistan defeated Turkmenistan 3–0 to advance to the semi-finals where they faced South Korea. The Korean side included nine players that had already participated in the 1994 FIFA World Cup; despite this, Uzbekistan shocked South Korea with a 1–0 victory to advance to the final, its first ever final since gaining independence. In their final game against China, Uzbekistan defeated the Chinese 4–2 to capture its first and only Asian honor two years after its creation.[4]

In the 1996 AFC Asian Cup, Uzbekistan was grouped with Japan, China and Syria, and were eliminated in the group stage. Uzbekistan's first-ever attempt to qualify for the World Cup was in 1998. Grouped with Yemen, Cambodia and Indonesia in the first stage, Uzbekistan won every match except for the away fixture against Indonesia. Shortly after, the Uzbeks played South Korea, Japan and the UAE, and failed to qualify for the tournament.[citation needed]

2000s

[edit]

The 2000 AFC Asian Cup saw the Uzbeks with Japan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, gaining only a point against the latter with a draw. Uzbekistan participated in the first round in order to qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea, and eventually made the second round. The group contained China, the UAE, Oman and Qatar, and the Uzbeks were unable to make any major breakthrough in the second round, losing twice to the UAE, and suffering two away defeats to China and Oman. An away draw to Qatar confirmed Uzbekistan's failure to qualify, despite a late win over already qualified China in the final match.[citation needed]

Uzbekistan failed to make further impact on the continental stage until they reached the last eight of the 2004 Asian Cup, topping their group after winning all matches, where they were beaten by Bahrain after a penalty shoot-out.[citation needed] The country would eventually defeat Iraq in the second qualifying round for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, with goals from Maksim Shatskikh and Alexander Geynrikh sending them through to the last eight. They were knocked out in the final stage of the Asian qualification to the 2006 World Cup after losing on the away goals rule to Bahrain. The result was subject to controversy as three games were played; the first, a 1–0 win for Uzbekistan was wiped out after FIFA declared the result void after a mistake by Toshimitsu Yoshida, a Japanese referee.[5] The replay ended 1–1, and after the return finished 0–0, Uzbekistan were eliminated.

In the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, Uzbekistan advanced from the group stage by beating Malaysia 5–0 and China PR 3–0. However, Uzbekistan was knocked out of the tournament in the quarter-finals by losing to Saudi Arabia 2–1.[citation needed]

2010s

[edit]
Uzbekistan national team supporters during a qualification match for the 2010 World Cup against Japan at Pakhtakor Stadium in Tashkent

After having three foreign coaches (German Hans-Jürgen Gede, Englishman Bob Houghton and Russian Valeri Nepomniachi) in three years, the country turned to former Uzbekistan Olympic team coach Rauf Inileev. During qualification for the 2010 World Cup, Uzbekistan advanced to the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers after winning their first four matches, but finished last in Group A of the final round behind favorites Australia, Japan, Bahrain and Qatar, with four points from eight matches.

Uzbekistan at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup

In the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, Uzbekistan ended in fourth place, their all-time best result in the tournament. After getting past the group stage and quarter-finals, the Uzbek team lost their first opportunity to reach the Asian Cup final when Australia thrashed them 6–0 in the semi-final game. Several days later, they were defeated again by South Korea in the third place match 3–2.[6]

In qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Uzbekistan advanced to Asia's fourth round after winning their group in the third round over Japan. Uzbekistan finished with 16 points (five wins and one draw), more than any other team in the third round, including an impressive 1–0 away win against Japan. In the fourth round, Uzbekistan finished third in Group A behind Iran and South Korea, and lost to South Korea (14 points) on goal difference, and would eventually play Jordan in the fifth round to determine the AFC participant in the intercontinental play-off. On 10 September 2013, with the two teams drawn at the end of the second leg, Jordan eventually progressed to the intercontinental play-off after winning 9–8 on penalties.

In the 2015 Asian Cup, Uzbekistan advanced to the quarter-finals after finishing as runners-up in Group B, won by China. The team was knocked out of the tournament in the quarter-finals after losing 2–0 in extra time to South Korea.

Uzbekistan continued their quest to head to the World Cup during 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification, but their campaign had been shattered with a 4–2 defeat to North Korea. However, the Uzbeks soon bounced back and won the last remaining matches to top the group and qualified to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup as well as the last round. Once again, Uzbekistan in the last round, missed an opportunity when they finished fourth, behind Iran, South Korea and Syria, when Uzbekistan could only manage a 0–0 draw to the South Koreans in the last match.[7]

Uzbekistan at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup

Uzbekistan started their 2019 AFC Asian Cup campaign with a 2–1 victory over Oman and continued with a 4–0 win over Turkmenistan, which guaranteed Uzbekistan to progress from the group stage for the fifth consecutive time, despite ending with a 1–2 defeat to Japan in the last match. Facing Australia, defending Asian champions, Uzbekistan drew 0–0 after 120 minutes. In the penalty shootout, Australia prevailed with a 4–2 win.

2020s

[edit]
Uzbekistan national football team with President of Uzbekistan after World Cup qualifying match against Qatar on 10 June 2025

In the second qualifying round for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Uzbekistan suffered another disappointment by failing to qualify for the final round. The White Wolves accumulated five wins and three defeats. Moreover, Uzbekistan's failure was also compounded by the fact that North Korea, originally in Group H of the same round, surprisingly withdrew due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in which FIFA and the AFC then ruled North Korea's results as null and void. This caused Lebanon to qualify ahead of Uzbekistan, since Lebanon's original results against North Korea were a draw and a loss.[8][9][10]

Uzbekistan squad against Iran at the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.

Uzbekistan took part in the third qualifying round for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. Designated as the host country of Group C (due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Asia), the Central Asians won all three games and finished top of their group without conceding a goal, confirming their qualification for the tournament. Uzbekistan was placed in Group B with Australia, Syria and India. Prior to the tournament, Uzbek all-time top goalscorer Eldor Shomurodov sustained a leg injury, ruling him out of the squad. Uzbekistan drew 0–0 in their opening game against Syria and won against India 3–0. In their last match against Australia, Uzbekistan drew 1–1 to seal a place in the round of 16 as the second-placed team in their group. They faced Thailand, whom they managed to beat 2–1. In the quarter-finals, they faced hosts Qatar. With the match drawn 1–1 after extra time, Uzbekistan lost 3–2 in the penalty shoot-out.[11]

Uzbekistan were unbeaten throughout their entire second qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, winning four matches and drawing two, and entered the third qualifying round as second place in the group. In the third round, the team qualified for the World Cup for the first time in history, with one match to spare after an away goalless draw with the United Arab Emirates.[12] This makes Uzbekistan the first Central Asian nation, as well as the third former republic after Russia and Ukraine, to qualify for the World Cup.[13]

Uzbekistan entered the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup, where the team won the title after a draw against Oman and victories over Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and a last-minute extra-time victory over Iran 1–0 in the final.[14][15]

Team image

[edit]

Nicknames

[edit]
Uzbekistan vs. Bahrain at Pakhtakor Central Stadium in 2009

The Uzbekistan national team has received several nicknames by supporters and media. The most common one used is "The White Wolves" (Uzbek: Oq boʻrilar / Оқ бўрилар),[16][17][18][19] while also being called "Asian Italy"[20] (Uzbek: Osiyo Italiyasi / Осиё Италияси) due to the similarity of colors (white and blue) of Italy and Uzbekistan, as well as similar tactics (defensive football) of these teams.[21]

Uzbekistan is also called the "Huma birds" (Uzbek: Humo qushlari / Ҳумо қушлари); the mythical Huma bird is the national bird of Uzbekistan, and is depicted on the state emblem of Uzbekistan. The Huma bird is depicted on the emblem of the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan.[citation needed] Another nickname is the "Turanians"[22] (Uzbek: Turonliklar / Туронликлар), as Uzbekistan is located in the center of the ancient region of Turan.[23][24]

Rivalries

[edit]
Uzbekistani fans at the 2019 Asian Cup in UAE

Kazakhstan national team is considered to be the main rival of the Uzbekistan national team. This rivalry dates back to the time of the Soviet Union, when both countries were part of the 15 republics that made up the Union. The rivalry between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan was evident at all levels, from grandiose construction projects to football. The two countries' top football clubs, Pakhtakor Tashkent and Kairat Almaty, competed for the title of the strongest club in Central Asia. In the 1990s, both countries were part of the AFC, and Uzbekistan performed better than Kazakhstan. In 2002, Kazakhstan joined the UEFA, and the intensity of the rivalry decreased as the national teams and clubs primarily played friendly matches. However, fans and the football community in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan continue to compare their national teams and clubs. Objectively, Uzbekistan has surpassed Kazakhstan in terms of football development, becoming the main football country in the region. During the Soviet era, Uzbekistan's national team also had some rivalry with Ukraine and Georgia.[25][26]

In addition to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan competes with the national team of Tajikistan from the Central Asian countries, as well as to a lesser extent with the national teams of Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan. Over the past 15 years, rivalry with the Iran national team has become especially important, and the Iran national team can be considered Uzbekistan's second main rival. The matches against South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE are also of great importance.[27]

Kit sponsorship

[edit]

In qualifying tournaments, the team usually wears a normal plain jersey of the kit sponsor and only has the logo of the Uzbekistan Football Association printed on it.[citation needed]

SupplierPeriod[28][29]
Germany Adidas1992–1997
United Kingdom Admiral1998
Thailand Grand Sport1999
Germany Adidas2000
Denmark Hummel2001–2002
United Kingdom Umbro2003
Germany Puma2004–2012
Spain Joma2013–2017
Germany Adidas2018
Germany Jako2019–2025
Uzbekistan 7SABER2025–present[30]

Home stadium

[edit]
Milliy Stadium
Pakhtakor Central Stadium

From its formation in 1992 until the end of 2012, the main home stadium of the Uzbekistan national football team was the Pakhtakor Central Stadium in Tashkent, built and opened in 1956. This stadium is also the venue for Pakhtakor Football Club. During the Soviet Union, this stadium was home for the Uzbekistan SSR national team. It was reconstructed in 1996, 2008 and 2012 and currently holds 35,000 spectators, previously at 55,000 spectators. The team also uses Milliy Stadium (formerly known as Bunyodkor Stadium), built in 2012 and accommodating 34,000 spectators. This stadium is also a home for the Bunyodkor Football Club.

Home record

[edit]

Last updated: 1 October 2026. Statistics include official FIFA-recognised matches only.

Results and fixtures

[edit]

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Loss   Fixture

2025

[edit]
9 October 2025 Friendly Uzbekistan  2–0  Kuwait Tashkent, Uzbekistan
18:00 UTC+5
Report Stadium: Olympic City Stadium
Referee: Mederbek Taichiev (Kyrgyzstan)
13 October 2025 Friendly Uzbekistan  1–2  Uruguay Malacca City, Malaysia
20:45 UTC+8
Report
Stadium: Hang Jebat Stadium
Referee: Muhammad Kamaruzaman (Malaysia)
14 November 2025 2025 Al Ain International Cup semi-final Uzbekistan  2–0  Egypt Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
20:00 UTC+4
Report Stadium: Hazza bin Zayed Stadium
Attendance: 6,200
Referee: Ahmed Eisa Mohamed Darwish (United Arab Emirates)

2026

[edit]
27 March 2026 2026 FIFA Series Uzbekistan  3–1  Gabon Tashkent, Uzbekistan
19:00 UTC+5
Report
Stadium: Bunyodkor Stadium
Attendance: 28,840
Referee: Abdullo Davlatov (Tajikistan)
30 March 2026 2026 FIFA Series Uzbekistan  0–0
(5–4 p)		  Venezuela Tashkent, Uzbekistan
19:00 UTC+5 Report Stadium: Bunyodkor Stadium
Attendance: 29,225
Referee: Mederbek Taichiev (Kyrgyzstan)
Penalties
1 June 2026 Friendly Canada  2–0  Uzbekistan Edmonton, Canada
19:00 UTC−6
Report Stadium: Commonwealth Stadium
Attendance: 46,164
Referee: Marco Ortíz (Mexico)
8 June 2026 Friendly Netherlands  2–1  Uzbekistan New York, United States
14:45 UTC−4
Report
Stadium: Icahn Stadium
Attendance: 0 (BCD)
Referee: Alyssa Pennington (United States)
17 June 2026 2026 World Cup GS Uzbekistan  1–3  Colombia Mexico City, Mexico
20:00 UTC−6
Report
Stadium: Estadio Azteca
Attendance: 80,824
Referee: Anthony Taylor (England)
23 June 2026 2026 World Cup GS Portugal  5–0  Uzbekistan Houston, United States
12:00 UTC−5
Report Stadium: NRG Stadium
Attendance: 68,777
Referee: Jalal Jayed (Morocco)
27 June 2026 2026 World Cup GS DR Congo  3–1  Uzbekistan Atlanta, United States
19:30 UTC−4
Report
Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Attendance: 68,239
Referee: Felix Zwayer (Germany)
24 September 2026 Friendly Uzbekistan  3–1  Iran Fergana, Uzbekistan
19:00 UTC+5
Report
Stadium: Istiqlol Stadium
Attendance: 17,978
Referee: Kirill Levnikov (Russia)
1 October 2026 Friendly Uzbekistan  4–1  Syria Tashkent, Uzbekistan
19:00 UTC+5
Report
Stadium: Pakhtakor Central Stadium
Referee: Sayyodjon Zayniddinov (Tajikistan)
6 October 2026 Friendly South Korea  2–0  Uzbekistan Yongin, South Korea
20:00 UTC+9
Report Stadium: Yongin Mireu Stadium
Referee: Alex King (Australia)

2027

[edit]
13 January 2027 2027 Asian Cup GS North Korea  v  Uzbekistan Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
--:-- UTC−3 Stadium: Kingdom Arena

Coaching staff

[edit]
Current head coach Fabio Cannavaro
As of 6 October 2026
Position Name
Head coach Italy Fabio Cannavaro
Assistant coaches Italy Paolo Cannavaro
Assistant coaches Italy Francesco Troise
Goalkeeper coach Italy Antonio Chimenti
Fitness coach Italy Eugenio Albarella

Coaching history

[edit]

Players

[edit]

Current squad

[edit]

The following 33 players were called up to the friendly matches against Iran, Syria and South Korea, held between 24 September and 6 October 2026.[31]
Caps and goals correct as of 1 October 2026, after the match against Syria.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Abduvohid Nematov (2001-03-20) 20 March 2001 (age 25) 17 0 Uzbekistan Football Association Nasaf
12 1GK Vladimir Nazarov (2002-06-03) 3 June 2002 (age 24) 2 0 Uzbekistan Football Association Pakhtakor
16 1GK Edem Nemanov (2003-12-25) 25 December 2003 (age 22) 0 0 Uzbekistan Football Association Dinamo Samarqand
1GK Samandar Muratbaev (2005-03-03) 3 March 2005 (age 21) 0 0 Uzbekistan Football Association Nasaf
2 2DF Abdukodir Khusanov (2004-02-29) 29 February 2004 (age 22) 32 0 The Football Association Manchester City
3 2DF Khojiakbar Alijonov (1997-04-19) 19 April 1997 (age 29) 56 3 Uzbekistan Football Association Pakhtakor
13 2DF Sherzod Nasrullaev (1998-07-23) 23 July 1998 (age 28) 44 2 Uzbekistan Football Association Pakhtakor
4 2DF Bekhruz Karimov (2007-07-08) 8 July 2007 (age 19) 6 0 Swiss Football Association Lugano
5 2DF Jakhongir Urozov (2004-01-18) 18 January 2004 (age 22) 8 1 Russian Football Union Rubin Kazan
25 2DF Makhmud Makhamadzhonov (2003-06-30) 30 June 2003 (age 23) 2 0 Russian Football Union Dynamo Makhachkala
26 2DF Nurmukhammad Abduganiev (2007-08-23) 23 August 2007 (age 19) 1 0 Uzbekistan Football Association Neftchi Fergana
15 2DF Mukhammadrasul Abdumajidov (2004-07-23) 23 July 2004 (age 22) 0 0 Uzbekistan Football Association Pakhtakor
27 2DF Mukhammad Khakimov (2009-10-04) 4 October 2009 (age 17) 1 0 Uzbekistan Football Association Bunyodkor
2DF Giyosjon Rizakulov (2005-02-20) 20 February 2005 (age 21) 0 0 Uzbekistan Football Association Qizilqum
6 3MF Akmal Mozgovoy (1999-04-02) 2 April 1999 (age 27) 30 2 Uzbekistan Football Association Pakhtakor
9 3MF Odiljon Hamrobekov (1996-02-13) 13 February 1996 (age 30) 79 1 Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran Tractor
17 3MF Dostonbek Khamdamov (1996-07-24) 24 July 1996 (age 30) 40 5 Uzbekistan Football Association Pakhtakor
10 3MF Azizjon Ganiev (1998-02-22) 22 February 1998 (age 28) 26 0 United Arab Emirates Football Association Al Bataeh
22 3MF Abbosbek Fayzullaev (2003-10-03) 3 October 2003 (age 23) 37 9 Turkish Football Federation İstanbul Başakşehir
23 3MF Sherzod Esanov (2003-02-01) 1 February 2003 (age 23) 4 1 Uzbekistan Football Association Bukhara
19 3MF Ruslanbek Jiyanov (2001-06-05) 5 June 2001 (age 25) 10 1 Uzbekistan Football Association Navbahor Namangan
24 3MF Diyor Kholmatov (2002-07-22) 22 July 2002 (age 24) 8 0 Uzbekistan Football Association Navbahor Namangan
7 3MF Umarali Rakhmonaliev (2003-08-18) 18 August 2003 (age 23) 2 0 Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan Sabah
8 3MF Jasurbek Jaloliddinov (2002-05-15) 15 May 2002 (age 24) 2 0 Uzbekistan Football Association Sogdiana
18 3MF Bekhruz Uktamov (2006-08-21) 21 August 2006 (age 20) 0 0 Uzbekistan Football Association Surkhon
11 3MF Aziz Kholmurodov (2003-09-28) 28 September 2003 (age 23) 1 0 Uzbekistan Football Association AGMK
3MF Sadriddin Khasanov (2008-05-21) 21 May 2008 (age 18) 0 0 Portuguese Football Federation Braga
3MF Sardorbek Bahromov (2005-02-16) 16 February 2005 (age 21) 0 0 Uzbekistan Football Association Nasaf
3MF Azizbek Tulkinbekov (2007-02-10) 10 February 2007 (age 19) 0 0 Uzbekistan Football Association Bunyodkor
14 4FW Eldor Shomurodov (Captain) (1995-06-29) 29 June 1995 (age 31) 96 47 Turkish Football Federation İstanbul Başakşehir
20 4FW Azizbek Amonov (1997-10-30) 30 October 1997 (age 28) 16 2 Uzbekistan Football Association Dinamo Samarqand
21 4FW Khusain Norchaev (2002-02-06) 6 February 2002 (age 24) 5 4 Uzbekistan Football Association Navbahor Namangan
4FW Mukhammadali Urinboev (2005-04-24) 24 April 2005 (age 21) 0 0 Royal Belgian Football Association Royal Antwerp

Recent call-ups

[edit]

The following players have been called for the last 12 months and are still eligible to represent.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Utkir Yusupov (1991-01-04) 4 January 1991 (age 35) 41 0 Uzbekistan Navbahor Namangan 2026 FIFA World Cup
GK Botirali Ergashev (1995-06-23) 23 June 1995 (age 31) 2 0 Uzbekistan Neftchi Fergana 2026 FIFA World Cup
DF Avazbek Ulmasaliev (2000-03-27) 27 March 2000 (age 26) 0 0 Uzbekistan AGMK 2026 FIFA World Cup
DF Umar Eshmurodov (1992-11-30) 30 November 1992 (age 33) 29 0 Uzbekistan Nasaf 2026 FIFA World Cup RET
DF Abdulla Abdullaev (1997-09-01) 1 September 1997 (age 29) 19 0 United Arab Emirates Dibba 2026 FIFA World Cup
DF Farrukh Sayfiev (1991-01-17) 17 January 1991 (age 35) 46 1 Uzbekistan Neftchi Fergana 2026 FIFA World Cup
DF Rustam Ashurmatov (1996-07-07) 7 July 1996 (age 30) 52 1 Iran Esteghlal 2026 FIFA World Cup
DF Mukhammadkodir Khamraliev (2001-07-06) 6 July 2001 (age 25) 2 0 Uzbekistan Pakhtakor 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
DF Diyor Ortikboev (2003-01-06) 6 January 2003 (age 23) 0 0 Uzbekistan Xorazm 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
DF Ibrokhimkhalil Yuldoshev (2001-02-14) 14 February 2001 (age 25) 16 1 Uzbekistan Neftchi Fergana 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE / INJ
DF Husniddin Aliqulov (1999-04-04) 4 April 1999 (age 27) 34 3 Turkey Çaykur Rizespor v.  Iran, 18 November 2025 INJ
DF Alibek Davronov (2002-12-28) 28 December 2002 (age 23) 7 0 Uzbekistan Nasaf v.  Uruguay, 13 October 2025
DF Dilshod Saitov (1999-02-02) 2 February 1999 (age 27) 7 0 Uzbekistan Pakhtakor v.  Uruguay, 13 October 2025
DF Dilshod Komilov (1999-05-16) 16 May 1999 (age 27) 2 0 Uzbekistan Navbahor Namangan 2025 CAFA Nations Cup
MF Oston Urunov (2000-12-19) 19 December 2000 (age 25) 44 10 Iran Persepolis 2026 FIFA World Cup
MF Otabek Shukurov (1996-06-22) 22 June 1996 (age 30) 91 10 Serbia Radnik Surdulica 2026 FIFA World Cup
MF Jamshid Iskanderov (1993-10-16) 16 October 1993 (age 32) 39 4 Uzbekistan Neftchi Fergana 2026 FIFA World Cup
MF Jaloliddin Masharipov (1993-09-01) 1 September 1993 (age 33) 74 12 Iran Esteghlal 2026 FIFA World Cup INJ
MF Kuvondik Ruziev (1994-10-06) 6 October 1994 (age 32) 6 0 Uzbekistan Navbahor Namangan 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
MF Alisher Odilov (2001-07-15) 15 July 2001 (age 25) 2 1 Uzbekistan Neftchi Fergana 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
MF Ibragim Ibragimov (2001-01-12) 12 January 2001 (age 25) 0 0 Uzbekistan Pakhtakor v.  Venezuela, 30 March 2026
MF Khojimat Erkinov (2001-05-29) 29 May 2001 (age 25) 42 7 Uzbekistan Pakhtakor v.  Iran, 18 November 2025
MF Azizbek Turgunboev (1994-10-01) 1 October 1994 (age 32) 41 6 Uzbekistan Andijon v.  Iran, 18 November 2025
MF Abdurauf Buriev (2002-07-20) 20 July 2002 (age 24) 7 0 Uzbekistan Pakhtakor v.  Uruguay, 13 October 2025
MF Anvar Khojimirzaev (1994-10-21) 21 October 1994 (age 31) 0 0 Uzbekistan Dinamo Samarqand v.  Kuwait, 9 October 2025 PRE
FW Igor Sergeev (1993-04-30) 30 April 1993 (age 33) 87 25 Iran Persepolis 2026 FIFA World Cup
FW Sherzod Temirov (1998-10-27) 27 October 1998 (age 27) 3 0 Iraq Zakho 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
FW Rustam Turdimurodov (2004-04-04) 4 April 2004 (age 22) 0 0 Uzbekistan Pakhtakor v.  Kuwait, 9 October 2025 PRE

U23 Included in the U-23 national team.
PRE Preliminary squad standby.
SUS Player suspended.
INJ Player withdrew from the squad due to an injury.
RET Retired from the national team.
WD Player withdrew from the squad for non-injury related reasons.

Player records

[edit]
As of 6 October 2026[32]
Players in bold are still active with Uzbekistan.

Most capped players

[edit]
Server Djeparov is Uzbekistan's most capped player with 128 appearances.
Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Server Djeparov128252002–2017
2 Timur Kapadze119102002–2015
3 Odil Ahmedov108212007–2021
4 Ignatiy Nesterov10502002–2019
5 Anzur Ismailov10232007–2019
6 Eldor Shomurodov97472015–present
Alexander Geynrikh97312002–2017
8 Otabek Shukurov91102016–present
9 Igor Sergeev87252013–present
10 Aziz Haydarov8612007–2018

Top goalscorers

[edit]
Eldor Shomurodov is Uzbekistan's top scorer with 47 goals.
Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Eldor Shomurodov47970.482015–present
2 Maxim Shatskikh34610.561999–2014
3 Mirjalol Qosimov31670.461992–2005
Alexander Geynrikh31970.322002–2017
5 Igor Sergeev25870.292013–present
Server Djeparov251280.22002–2017
7 Odil Ahmedov211080.192007–2021
8 Igor Shkvyrin20310.651992–2000
9 Jafar Irismetov15360.421997–2007
10 Ulugbek Bakayev14520.272001–2014

Competitive record

[edit]

FIFA World Cup

[edit]
FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Result Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pld W D L GF GA —
1930 to 1990 Part of the Soviet Union Part of the Soviet Union
United States 1994 FIFA member from 1992. Not admitted to the tournament.[a] Not a FIFA member 1994
France 1998 Did not qualify 14 6 4 4 33 21 1998
South Korea Japan 2002 14 7 3 4 33 19 2002
Germany 2006 14 6 5 3 24 15 2006
South Africa 2010 16 8 1 7 33 17 2010
Brazil 2014 18 11 5 2 28 9 2014
Russia 2018 18 11 1 6 26 14 2018
Qatar 2022 8 5 0 3 18 9 2022
Canada Mexico United States 2026 Group stage46th3003211Squad 16 10 5 1 27 11 2026
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030 To be determined To be determined 2030
Saudi Arabia 2034 2034
Total Group stage 1/8 3 0 0 3 2 11 — 118 64 24 30 222 115 —

AFC Asian Cup

[edit]
AFC Asian Cup record Qualification record
Year Result Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pld W D L GF GA —
1956 to 1988Part of the Soviet Union Part of the Soviet Union
Japan 1992Not an AFC member Not an AFC member1992
United Arab Emirates 1996Group stage10th310236Squad 2101541996
Lebanon 200012th3012214Squad 44001622000
China 2004Quarter-finals6th431052Squad 64111362004
Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Vietnam 20077th4202104Squad 63211442007
Qatar 2011Fourth place4th63121013Squad 4301732011
Australia 2015Quarter-finals8th420255Squad 63211042015
United Arab Emirates 2019Round of 1610th421173Squad 87012072019
Qatar 2023Quarter-finals5th523073Squad 118032792023
Saudi Arabia 2027Qualified 64201342027
TotalFourth place9/933157114950—53377912543 —

Asian Games

[edit]
Football at the Asian Games has been an under-23 tournament since 2002.
Asian Games record
Year Result Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad
1951 to 1990 Part of the Soviet Union
Japan 1994Gold medal1st7700237Squad
Thailand 1998Quarter-finals7th6321258Squad
2002–present See Uzbekistan national under-23 football team
Total1 Gold medal2/21310214815—

CAFA Nations Cup

[edit]
CAFA Nations Cup record
Year Result Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad
Kyrgyzstan Uzbekistan 2023Runners-up2nd4301102Squad
Tajikistan Uzbekistan 2025Champions1st431082Squad
Total1 Title2/28611184—

Head-to-head record

[edit]
All opponents that the Uzbekistan football team has played at least once
As of 6 October 2026 after the match against South Korea.[35]

  Positive Record   Neutral Record   Negative Record

By confederation

[edit]

FIFA ranking history

[edit]
As of 20 July 2026
Rank Date
Best rank 45 Nov. 2006 – Jan. 2007
Current rank 60 July 2026
Worst rank 119 November 1996
  • FIFA-ranking yearly averages for Uzbekistan (1994–2024)[36]

Legend:   Best ranking   Worst ranking   Best mover   Worst mover

Uzbekistan's FIFA world rankings
Rank Year Pld Best Worst
Rank Move Rank Move
5020251350Increase 757Decrease 1
5820241458Increase 866Decrease 1
6820231368Increase 975Decrease 3
7720221077Increase 1285Decrease 2
842021983Increase 286Decrease 3
852020684Increase 185Decrease 4
8520191682Increase 489Decrease 7
9520181072Increase 396Decrease 15
782017860Increase 280Decrease 18
6220161248Increase 2674Decrease 14
7420151371Increase 276Decrease 5
7420141351Increase 1374Decrease 17
6820131255Increase 1168Decrease 13
6720121363Increase 1077Decrease 4
7520111773Increase 33108Decrease 2
 1092010775Increase 1109Decrease 20
7620091169Increase 385Decrease 11
7220081355Increase 1976Decrease 18
6420071845Increase 1164Decrease 12
 452006645Increase 2061Decrease 13
592005846Increase 762Decrease 4
4720041147Increase 584Decrease 5
81200310109Increase 13112Decrease 5
982002264Increase 498Decrease 5
6220012060Increase 174Decrease 6
712000855Increase 1372Decrease 6
551999755Increase 488Decrease
 661998966Increase 41107Decrease 2
7919971479Increase 33112Decrease 3
 1091996895Increase 2119Decrease 19
971995282Increase 297Decrease 15
7819941177Increase 178Decrease 1

Honours

[edit]

Intercontinental

[edit]

Continental

[edit]

Regional

[edit]

Friendly

[edit]

Awards

[edit]

Summary

[edit]
Competition1st place, gold medalist(s)2nd place, silver medalist(s)3rd place, bronze medalist(s)Total
Afro-Asian Cup of Nations 0101
Total0101
Notes
  1. Competition organized by OCA, officially not recognized by FIFA.

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ↑ FIFA adopted a decision not to allow the national teams of those former Soviet republics that did not participate in the qualification draw on 8 December 1991 to participate in the 1994 FIFA World Cup.[33] A proposition by Ukraine, supported by Georgia and Armenia, to arrange a separate tournament for all successor states of the Soviet Union was blocked by Russia.[34]

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". 7 October 2026. Retrieved 7 October 2026.
  2. ↑ Millar, Colin (5 June 2025). "Uzbekistan, Jordan qualify for World Cup for first time". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 6 June 2025.
  3. ↑ "Uzbekistan Scores, Stats and Highlights - ESPN (AU)". ESPN. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
  4. ↑ "Uzbekistan - Remembering the Miracle of 1994". Futbolgrad. 25 August 2017. Archived from the original on 15 November 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
  5. ↑ "Uzbekistan and Bahrain to play it again". ESPN. Archived from the original on 23 September 2016. Retrieved 13 July 2016.
  6. ↑ "Uzbekistan 2–3 South Korea". Goal.com. 28 January 2011. Archived from the original on 18 January 2014. Retrieved 2 February 2011.
  7. ↑ "www.espn.com/video/clip?id=20590948". espn.com. Archived from the original on 1 December 2018. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
  8. ↑ "South Korea: North Koreans pull out of World Cup qualifying". AP News. 4 May 2021. Archived from the original on 6 May 2021. Retrieved 7 May 2021.
  9. ↑ "Latest update on Asian Qualifiers". Asian Football Confederation. 16 May 2021. Archived from the original on 20 May 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  10. ↑ "Latest decision on Asian Qualifiers". Asian Football Confederation. 27 May 2021. Archived from the original on 2 June 2021. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  11. ↑ "Qatar 1-1 Uzbekistan (3-2 on pens): Hosts win penalty shootout to set up Asian Cup semi with Iran". BBC Sport. 3 February 2024.
  12. ↑ "Uzbekistan qualify for World Cup for first time after draw with UAE". Reuters. 5 June 2025.
  13. ↑ Millar, Colin (5 June 2025). "Uzbekistan, Jordan qualify for World Cup for first time". The Athletic. The New York Times. Retrieved 5 September 2025.
  14. ↑ "10-man Iran runners-up at 2025 CAFA Nations Cup". Tehran Times. 8 September 2025. Retrieved 8 September 2025.
  15. ↑ "Uzbekistan defeats Iran to win 2025 CAFA Nations Cup". KUN.uz. 9 September 2025. Retrieved 9 September 2025.
  16. ↑ "Cuper ready to power Uzbekistan". AFC. Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 7 January 2019.
  17. ↑ "2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Uzbekistan 1-0 Qatar - White Wolves pile further misery on the Maroons". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 7 January 2019.
  18. ↑ "Uzbekistan Football Federation President Mirabror Usmanov Met With Junior White Wolves". Championat.asia. Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 7 January 2019.
  19. ↑ Minahan, James B. (23 December 2009). James Minahan. The Complete Guide to National Symbols and Emblems. Abc-Clio. ISBN 9780313344978. Archived from the original on 20 September 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2019.
  20. ↑ "Кубок Азии – 2019. Группа F. Сборная Узбекистана. Белые волки Турана". sports.ru. 30 December 2018. Archived from the original on 7 January 2019. Retrieved 7 January 2019.
  21. ↑ "Кубок Азии – 2019. Группа F. Сборная Узбекистана. Белые волки Турана". sports.ru. 30 December 2018. Archived from the original on 7 January 2019. Retrieved 7 January 2019.
  22. ↑ "Кубок Азии – 2019. Группа F. Сборная Узбекистана. Белые волки Турана". sports.ru. 30 December 2018. Archived from the original on 7 January 2019. Retrieved 7 January 2019.
  23. ↑ Turon — National Encyclopedia of Uzbekistan, 2000–2005
  24. ↑ Бартольд В. В. Работы по истории и филологии тюркских и монгольских народов / В. В. Бартольд; — Перепеч. с изд. 1968 г. — М. — ISBN 9785020183391 (в пер.)
  25. ↑ Попинать мячик по-соседски: Сборные Узбекистана и Казахстана возвращаются к футбольному противостоянию спустя 13 лет
  26. ↑ Казахский эксперт рассказал, кто сильнее в футболе — Узбекистан или Казахстан
  27. ↑ Попинать мячик по-соседски: Сборные Узбекистана и Казахстана возвращаются к футбольному противостоянию спустя 13 лет
  28. ↑ "Swag. Хипстеры. Adidas. Модный показ сборной Узбекистана - Узбекская кухня - Блоги". Sports.ru. 7 March 2016. Archived from the original on 27 April 2016. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
  29. ↑ "Терма жамоаларимизда либос масаласи". stadion.uz. Archived from the original on 8 June 2016. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
  30. ↑ "Uzbekistan National Football Team to Wear 7Saber Kit at 2026 FIFA World Cup". uzdaily. Retrieved 23 August 2025.
  31. ↑ "Khusanov named in Uzbekistan's World Cup squad". BBC.com. 2 June 2026. Retrieved 2 June 2026.
  32. ↑ Mamrud, Roberto. "Uzbekistan - Record International Players". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 22 October 2008. Retrieved 2 February 2023.
  33. ↑ At the crossing (На переправе) Archived 14 August 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Kopanyi myach.
  34. ↑ We hacked window to America (Прорубили окно в Америку). Komanda newspaper (by Fanat)
  35. ↑ "World Football Elo Ratings: Uzbekistan".
  36. ↑ "FIFA-ranking yearly averages for Uzbekistan". FIFA.com.
  37. ↑ "New Zealand net four as quartet win shootouts". fifa.com. FIFA. 30 March 2026. Retrieved 6 April 2026.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Uzbekistan_national_football_team&oldid=1378875036"