Tashkent, June 11, 2025 – The Europe Today: President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, attended a momentous match at Bunyodkor Stadium on June 10, marking the conclusion of the final stage of FIFA World Cup qualification. In a resounding 3–0 victory over Qatar, the Uzbekistan national football team celebrated its first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup — a long-cherished dream now fulfilled.
Although the team had secured its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup ahead of the final match, the fixture became a national celebration, symbolizing the extraordinary strides made in Uzbek football. Uzbekistan’s qualification follows years of dedicated development efforts under presidential initiatives aimed at strengthening grassroots and professional football across the country.
President Mirziyoyev, in a congratulatory message, praised the team’s unwavering spirit and determination:
“I am confident that this historic victory will further unite our nation on the path toward noble goals, serve as a source of inspiration and an example for thousands of our young people, and contribute to strengthening the international standing of New Uzbekistan,” the President stated.
The Uzbekistan national team’s journey to qualification began in Group A of the third qualifying round, where they competed against Iran, Qatar, the UAE, Kyrgyzstan, and North Korea. By the ninth round, with a 1–1 draw against the UAE, Uzbekistan had amassed 18 points — enough to confirm their place in the 2026 World Cup in North America.
The historic qualification is the result of a strategic and systemic approach to football development. In March 2018, President Mirziyoyev signed a decree establishing a football development program for 2018–2022. This initiative led to the creation of youth academies across all 14 regions of the country, aimed at nurturing talented players and preparing them for national-level competition. Significant reforms also targeted coaching, refereeing, and club development.
Further momentum was gained with the Presidential Decree of December 4, 2019, which sought to elevate Uzbek football to a new level through the modernization of training facilities and hosting of international tournaments. The Presidential Resolution of April 8, 2023, reinforced these efforts with a focus on both grassroots and elite-level football.
The success of these programs was evident as Uzbekistan’s U-23 team won the Asian Championship in 2018, followed by the U-20 team in 2023. This year, the U-17 team claimed the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia and earned a World Cup berth, while the U-23 team also made its debut in the Olympic Games.
Following the final qualifying match, a solemn award ceremony was held at Bunyodkor Stadium. In accordance with a Presidential Decree dated June 6, players and coaches were honored for their outstanding contribution to national pride and the promotion of sports among youth. President Mirziyoyev personally presented state awards, including honorary titles, orders, and medals. Additionally, each player and specialist was gifted a BYD automobile.
The celebration, attended by visiting dignitaries including Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, and leaders from Central Asian countries, concluded with a spectacular drone show and fireworks display.
Uzbekistan now turns its attention to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament will feature 48 national teams divided into 12 groups. Uzbek fans, filled with pride and hope, eagerly await the national team’s debut on football’s grandest stage.
