Uzbekistan have named their first ever squad for the 2026 World Cup, with 26 players making the cut for the tournament.
Former World Cup winner and Italian legend, Fabio Cannavaro, will lead Uzbekistan into their debut appearance at the competition and will hope they can upset the odds.
There aren’t many names in the Uzbekistan squad that will be familiar to fans of English football but keep your eye on Abdukodir Khusanov, who had a standout season for Manchester City, and Eldor Shomurodov, who has a one in two record for Uzbekistan.
- Bet £10 get £30
- Excellent Football Betting Options
- Extensive Bet-Builder
- Multi-Award Winning Bookmaker
New customers can sign up using bonus code SQUAWKA365, bet £10 and get £30 in Free Bets. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration Required. This code is for marketing and tracking purposes only. #Ad.
Uzbekistan World Cup 2026 squad
| Squad number | Player | Position | Domestic club | International caps | International goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utkir Yusupov | GK | Navbahor (Uzbekistan) | 39 | 0 |
| 12 | Abduvohid Nematov | GK | Nasaf (Uzbekistan) | 7 | 0 |
| 16 | Botirali Ergashev | GK | Neftchi (Uzbekistan) | 2 | 0 |
| 5 | Rustam Ashurmatov | DF | Esteghlal (Iran) | 47 | 1 |
| 4 | Farrukh Sayfiev | DF | Neftchi (Uzbekistan) | 44 | 1 |
| 3 | Khojiakbar Alijonov | DF | Pakhtakor (Uzbekistan) | 40 | 2 |
| 13 | Sherzod Nasrullaev | DF | Nasaf (Uzbekistan) | 29 | 2 |
| 15 | Umar Eshmurodov | DF | Nasaf (Uzbekistan) | 29 | 0 |
| 2 | Abdukodir Khusanov | DF | Manchester City (England) | 25 | 0 |
| 18 | Abdulla Abdullaev | DF | Dibba (UAE) | 16 | 0 |
| 24 | Bekhruz Karimov | DF | Surkhon (Uzbekistan) | 2 | 0 |
| 26 | Jakhongir Urozov | DF | Dinamo Samarqand (Uzbekistan) | 2 | 0 |
| 25 | Avazbek Ulmasaliev | DF | AGMK (Uzbekistan) | 0 | 0 |
| 7 | Otabek Shukurov | MF | Baniyas (UAE) | 82 | 9 |
| 10 | Jaloliddin Masharipov | MF | Esteghlal (Iran) | 74 | 12 |
| 9 | Odiljon Hamrobekov | MF | Tractor (Iran) | 71 | 1 |
| 11 | Oston Urunov | MF | Persepolis (Iran) | 40 | 10 |
| 8 | Jamshid Iskanderov | MF | Neftchi (Uzbekistan) | 37 | 4 |
| 17 | Dostonbek Khamdamov | MF | Pakhtakor (Uzbekistan) | 33 | 5 |
| 22 | Abbosbek Fayzullaev | MF | İstanbul Başakşehir (Turkey) | 30 | 8 |
| 6 | Akmal Mozgovoy | MF | Pakhtakor (Uzbekistan) | 23 | 1 |
| 19 | Azizjon Ganiev | MF | Al-Bataeh (UAE) | 18 | 0 |
| 23 | Sherzod Esanov | MF | Bukhara (Uzbekistan) | 0 | 0 |
| 14 | Eldor Shomurodov | FW | İstanbul Başakşehir (Turkey) | 90 | 44 |
| 21 | Igor Sergeev | FW | Persepolis (Iran) | 81 | 24 |
| 20 | Azizbek Amonov | FW | Bukhara (Uzbekistan) | 11 | 2 |
Uzbekistan make their historic World Cup debut in 2026, arriving as a side that balances defensive discipline with a burgeoning attacking flair. The White Wolves have long been on the cusp of qualification, and their roster suggests they are ready to leave a lasting impression on the global stage. Under the astute guidance of Fabio Cannavaro, the squad possesses a tactical maturity that could frustrate even the most established giants. Central to their ambitions is the clinical Eldor Shomurodov, whose experience in European leagues provides a vital focal point for their offensive transitions.
However, it is the creative influence of Abbosbek Fayzullaev and Oston Urunov that offers the potential for genuine impact. Their ability to operate in tight spaces and provide the final pass will be essential in unlocking stubborn defences. Defensively, the presence of Abdukodir Khusanov, a rising star at Manchester City, offers a level of composure and physical dominance that belies his young age. We expect Uzbekistan to be the tournament’s ultimate dark horses, with their collective spirit and technical proficiency making them a formidable opponent. If they can harness their debutant enthusiasm and maintain their tactical shape, the White Wolves could be the surprise package of the summer, pushing for a place in the knockout rounds.
- Read more: Uzbekistan World Cup 2026 odds
Three players to look out for this summer
Eldor Shomurodov (İstanbul Başakşehir)
Eldor Shomurodov is the undisputed talisman for Uzbekistan as they embark on their historic 2026 World Cup journey. His role as the captain and primary offensive outlet makes him the focal point of the White Wolves’ tactical setup. Shomurodov’s extensive experience in European football has provided him with a level of clinical finishing and physical presence that is essential for a side making their debut on the global stage. His ability to lead from the front and provide a constant threat in the final third will be vital in alleviating pressure on his younger teammates. We expect Shomurodov’s leadership and predatory instincts to be the catalyst for any success Uzbekistan achieve this summer. His movement and intelligence in the box will be crucial in unlocking opposition defences, making him the White Wolves’ most dangerous asset. Shomurodov’s impact will be the defining factor in Uzbekistan’s pursuit of a memorable tournament debut.
Abbosbek Fayzullaev (İstanbul Başakşehir)
Abbosbek Fayzullaev is the creative spark that provides Uzbekistan with their most potent attacking threat at the 2026 World Cup. His exceptional technical ability and vision make him the primary architect of the White Wolves’ offensive play, operating with a level of flair that belies his young age. Fayzullaev possesses a rare knack for finding the final pass, a quality that will be essential in unlocking the tournament’s most organised defences. His ability to navigate tight spaces and transition play quickly will be vital in providing the likes of Shomurodov with the service required to find the net. We believe Fayzullaev’s creativity and unpredictability will be the defining feature of Uzbekistan’s campaign, providing a level of flair that few sides can match. His impact this summer will be pivotal to Uzbekistan’s pursuit of global recognition, making him a player to watch as the White Wolves make their historic debut.
Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City)
Abdukodir Khusanov is the defensive cornerstone upon which Uzbekistan’s 2026 World Cup ambitions are built. His rapid ascent to elite football has provided the White Wolves with a level of composure and physical dominance that is unparalleled in their defensive line. Khusanov’s reading of the game and recovery speed make him a vital asset in neutralising the world’s most potent attackers, acting as a security blanket for his more offensive-minded teammates. His ability to build play from the back with precision allows Uzbekistan to transition with confidence, making him a secondary playmaker in deep areas. We expect Khusanov’s resilience and tactical intelligence to be the foundation of any success the White Wolves achieve this summer. His impact will be nothing short of transformative, providing the defensive stability required to compete against the tournament’s established giants. Khusanov represents the bright future of Uzbek football, and his performance will be pivotal to their pursuit of global glory.
Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets with Bet365
Not signed up to bet365 yet? Here's how to claim one of the best bookmaker welcome offers around...
- Open an account (here's a link)
- Make a qualifying deposit of between £5* and £10*
- Claim the offer to receive three times your deposit in 'Free Bets'.
- To release your 'Free Bets', place qualifying bets to the value of your qualifying deposit and allow those bets to settle.
- Your 'Free Bets' will become available shortly after your qualifying bets have settled
- To use your 'Free Bets', select 'Use bet credits' in the bet slip.
Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.
Uzbekistan World Cup 2026 fixtures
Read more:
