FIFA to Open Regional Office in Uzbekistan

A FIFA regional office will be set up at the Uzbekistan Football Association headquarters. The office will be provided free of charge, according to a presidential decree by Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This is part of preparations for the 2027 FIFA Under-20 World Cup.

FIFA will cover part of the costs for running the office and organising the tournament. Any remaining funds will come from Uzbekistan’s Football Support Fund. However, this contribution cannot exceed 50% of total expenses.

An organising committee will be created to manage the event. Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov will chair the committee. It will coordinate tournament preparations, build necessary infrastructure, and ensure electricity supply in host regions.

The Ministry of Transport will arrange special buses for participants travelling between Tashkent and New Tashkent. Travel on these buses will be free of charge.

Kursiv also reports that Fabio Cannavaro says Uzbekistan’s national football team has the mentality and fighting spirit to surprise at the 2026 World Cup.