Uzbekistan National Team Captain Aims to Advance from Group at World Cup

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Eldor Shomurodov, captain of the Uzbekistan national football team, has spoken about the team’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His remarks were published by FIFA’s press service.

The forward noted that attitudes toward sport in Uzbekistan, and football in particular, have changed significantly for the better in recent years. According to him, this shift is the result of consistent state support and growing trust from fans in the national team.

“I remember how, when I was a child, fans were disappointed every time the national team failed to qualify for the World Cup. Today the situation is completely different. Thanks to the president’s attention to the development of sport, improved conditions and infrastructure, fans’ confidence in the team has grown. Our players have started performing for top European clubs,” Shomurodov said.

A native of the southern Surkhandarya region, Shomurodov has become not only the leading goal scorer of the Uzbekistan national team but also a symbol of the region’s football success.

His career in the leagues of Russia, Italy, and Türkiye, experts say, clearly demonstrates the international competitiveness of Uzbek footballers.

At the 2026 World Cup, Uzbekistan will compete in Group K, where their opponents will be Portugal and Colombia.

“Our objective is to advance from the group. We want to defend the country’s honor and prove that Uzbekistan is a strong team. Some may consider us outsiders, but we intend to surprise them. Participation in the World Cup is a source of joy not only for Uzbek fans but for football supporters across Central Asia. If we show a достойный performance, Uzbek football will attract new fans around the world,” Shomurodov said.

FIFA notes that the Uzbekistan national team is capable of competing with sides featuring global stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodríguez. Shomurodov currently plays for Istanbul-based club Başakşehir, where he has scored 12 goals in 17 matches and leads the club’s scoring charts.

Together with emerging talents Abdukodir Khusanov and Abbos Fayzullaev, the national team captain is ready to open a new chapter in the history of Uzbek football on the pitches of North America, FIFA emphasized.