Uzbek Referees to Officiate at FIFA World Cup 2026

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Three Uzbekistani football officials have been named to the official refereeing corps for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July.

Ilgiz Tantashev has been appointed as a head referee from Uzbekistan, accompanied by assistants Andrey Sapenko and Timur Gaynullin.

The 39-day tournament will feature an expanded format. In addition to the top two teams from each group, eight third-place teams will qualify for the round of 32 for the first time, meaning 32 teams will open the knockout stage.

The Uzbekistan national team has qualified for the competition for the first time in its history. They will compete in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Uzbekistan’s tournament journey begins on 18 June in Mexico City with a match against Colombia, kicking off at 8:00 AM Tashkent time. The second group match will take place on 23 June in Houston against Portugal, starting at 11:00 PM Tashkent time. The group stage will conclude with a clash against DR Congo on 28 June at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, starting at 4:30 AM Tashkent time.