Uzbekistan to Play Its 2026 World Cup Group-Stage Matches in Mexico and the United States

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Uzbekistan national football team will play its three group-stage matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in two countries — Mexico and the United States — across three cities, according to the tournament schedule published by FIFA.

Uzbekistan will open Group K against Colombia on 18 June in Mexico City. The match will kick off at 8:00 Tashkent time. The second fixture is set for 23 June at 23:00 in Houston, where Uzbekistan will face Portugal.

The group stage will conclude on 28 June in Atlanta at 5:30 Tashkent time with a match against the team that will emerge from the intercontinental playoff involving New Caledonia, Jamaica, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

At present, 42 national teams have secured qualification for the World Cup. Six more will be determined through playoff matches scheduled for late March 2026; all playoff winners will automatically be placed in Pot 4.

The 2026 World Cup will run from 11 June to 19 July, spanning 39 days. The knockout-stage format has also been revised: not only the top two teams from each group, but also eight third-placed teams will advance to the round of 32. As a result, 32 teams will enter the first knockout round.