Tashkent, September 9, 2025 – The Europe Today: On September 8, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Tashkent.
At the outset, Mr. Infantino warmly congratulated the Uzbek leader and people on the national football team’s historic qualification for the final stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. He underlined that this remarkable success reflects the results of effective reforms, focused attention, and comprehensive state support for sports development in Uzbekistan.
The meeting discussed expanding Uzbekistan’s cooperation with FIFA, particularly in transforming the system of football organization and management, nurturing young talent, and providing international-level training for coaches, referees, managers, sports doctors, and technical experts. It was noted with satisfaction that joint programs aimed at promoting football, especially among youth, are being actively implemented.
With FIFA’s support, a state-of-the-art National Football Center has been established, featuring a digital football situation hub with innovative technologies. Uzbekistan has also successfully hosted major tournaments, including the Futsal World Cup.
Special emphasis was placed on organizing upcoming FIFA events in Uzbekistan. An agreement was also reached to open a FIFA regional office for Central Asian countries in Tashkent.
In recognition of his significant contribution to the development and international promotion of Uzbek football, President Mirziyoyev presented FIFA President Gianni Infantino with one of Uzbekistan’s highest state awards – the “Dustlik” (Friendship) Order.
