Former Spartak Goalkeeper Anzor Kavazashvili: Uzbekistan National Team Could Surprise at 2026 World Cup

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Former Spartak Moscow goalkeeper Anzor Kavazashvili stated in an interview with Match TV that the Uzbekistan national team is capable of performing successfully at the 2026 World Cup.

According to the draw held on 5 December in Washington, Uzbekistan, making its World Cup debut, will play in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and the winner of the intercontinental playoff (DR Congo, Jamaica, or New Caledonia).

When asked about the team’s prospects, Kavazashvili emphasized that Uzbekistan has done serious preparation:

"Yes, they might surprise. Uzbekistan has approached preparation very seriously. Over the past few years, they played with a youth squad, giving young players experience… They looked good. Two years have already passed," he noted.

Kavazashvili also compared Uzbekistan’s approach to Russia’s national team preparation: "Unfortunately, Karpin, instead of following Uzbekistan’s example—bringing in young players and playing with such a squad—called up 50 players and relied on the same veterans. That’s not how a national team prepares."

The 2026 World Cup will take place from 11 June to 19 July in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. All matches of the final stage will be broadcast on Match TV, on the holding’s thematic channels, and its digital platforms.