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Cannavaro names Uzbekistan squad for 2026 World Cup

Cannavaro names Uzbekistan squad for 2026 World Cup
Cannavaro names Uzbekistan squad for 2026 World Cup / Photo: UFA.

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Head coach Fabio Cannavaro has announced Uzbekistan’s final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Uzbekistan Football Association said. The squad includes 26 players.

Four players were excluded from the expanded list: Umarali Rakhmonaliev, Ruslanbek Dzhiyanov, Sherzodbek Temirov and Jasurbek Jaloliddinov.

The goalkeeping lineup consists of Utkir Yusupov (Navbahor), Botirali Ergashev (Neftchi) and Abduvohid Nematov (Nasaf).

The defensive line includes Rustamjon Ashurmatov (Istiklol, Iran), Umarbek Eshmuradov (Nasaf), Avazbek Ulmasaliev (AGMK), Abdukodir Khusanov, along with several other players representing clubs from Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Iran.

Midfielders and forwards include players competing both domestically and abroad, among them Aziz Ganiev, Otabek Shukurov, Jaloliddin Masharipov, as well as Eldor Shomurodov and Abbosbek Fayzullaev.

Uzbekistan will compete in Group K at the World Cup. The team will face Colombia on 18 June, Portugal on 23 June, and the Democratic Republic of Congo on 28 June.

Anvar Umarov
Anvar Umarov

Anvar Umarov is the founder and editor-in-chief of UzDaily, a leading business and news publication covering Uzbekistan and Central Asia. With over 20 years of experience in journalism, he has also worked as a PR manager for both state and private organizations, bringing a broad perspective on media, communications, and public affairs to his editorial leadership.