President Mirziyoyev meets Uzbekistan national team ahead of FIFA World Cup

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with the national football team on the eve of the World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This was reported by the press secretary of the head of state, Sherzod Asadov.

Addressing the players, the president described the team’s qualification for the World Cup as a historic achievement awaited by the country for 34 years. “Our footballers can rightfully be called heroes of our time, who have opened a new page in the history of Uzbekistan. In every match they played with a high sense of responsibility, patriotic spirit, and a single goal — victory. They have brought great joy to our people,” Mirziyoyev said.

The president said he could not sleep on the night the team secured its place at the tournament due to joy, and expressed gratitude not only to the players, but also to their parents, mentors, and coaches.

Football — a school of patriotism

The meeting was also attended by well-known poets, writers, and cultural figures who, according to the president, are already creating new works and songs dedicated to the national team. Mirziyoyev noted that entrepreneurs are promoting the national brand in new markets through the team’s success. “You are not only contributing to the development of sport, but also opening new opportunities for entrepreneurs and inspiring people in literature and the arts. You have become a true example for our youth,” he said.

The president stressed that in Uzbekistan, football is not only a professional sport but also a school for educating young people, promoting a healthy lifestyle, discipline, and patriotism.

Infrastructure and results

At the meeting, data was presented on large-scale work to develop sports infrastructure in the country. In recent years, more than 200 major sports facilities have been commissioned across the regions, around 4,000 private sports clubs have opened, and sports grounds have been built in more than 1,500 mahallas. In the capital, a modern Olympic City has been constructed, the National Football Center has been launched in Yukkorichirchiq, and professional football academies and football schools have been established in every region.

As a result, the number of football fans has reached 5 million people, with more than 1.3 million regularly playing football, and 17,000 professional footballers. It was particularly noted that corruption and favoritism have been eradicated in football, creating an open and transparent system that has enabled the most talented youth to progress.

“Every Mahalla — a Football Field” program

The president announced the launch of a nationwide program titled “Every Mahalla — a Football Field.” Within its framework, a “Mahalla League” will be organized: boys and girls aged 12–17 will form mahalla football teams and compete annually in a “mahalla–district–region–republic” system. The initiative is intended to serve as a talent pipeline for professional clubs.

Cannavaro and national team preparation

It was noted that the national team is being coached by Fabio Cannavaro, a coach with extensive experience and a championship mindset. In 2006, Cannavaro led Italy to the World Cup title in Germany, was named the world’s best player that same year, and became one of the few defenders in football history to win the Ballon d’Or. The new head coach has brought in specialists in physical preparation, attacking training, as well as a doctor, nutritionist, and chef, forming a coaching team with international experience.

Mirziyoyev congratulated Cannavaro on his debut at the World Cup as head coach and wished the staff further success.

Concluding the meeting, the president addressed the players with a message of encouragement: “There are no easy matches at the World Cup.

You will play against Portugal, Colombia, Congo. Of course, the nation will expect victory in every match. But remember one thing: you have already made history! Play without unnecessary pressure, without fear, give it your all.

The entire nation — nearly 40 million people — will follow every move on the pitch with bated breath. Remember: the people believe in you, the President believes in you!”