A press conference was held at the Sputnik Uzbekistan press center in Tashkent to mark the national team’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The event featured head coach Timur Kapadze.
«We fear no one»
During the press conference, Kapadze stressed that qualifying for the World Cup is not only the result of hard work but also a sign of the overall growth of Uzbek football.
«No one wants to end up in a group with the strongest teams, but we won’t fear anyone. This is our first World Cup, and we will show what we’re capable of. The main thing is that our players are in form and ready to fight. We fear no one. What matters is being ready,» said the coach in response to a Kursiv Uzbekistan journalist’s question.
Kapadze added that the team’s goal is not only to advance from the group stage but to go as far as possible in the playoffs.
Infrastructure and medical support: Progress made
Kapadze also commented on the current state of football infrastructure in Uzbekistan. He acknowledged significant improvements, although challenges remain.
«In the past, we lacked balls, kits, and training fields. The situation is much better now, but it’s crucial that every club has a proper training facility. For example, a national training base will open in September 2025. That’s an important step forward,» said the national team coach.
Kapadze placed particular emphasis on player recovery. According to him, the demands of modern football make physical and medical support essential components of success.
«Athletes don’t just need quality pitches — they need full rehabilitation centers. That means massage therapists, physiotherapists, nutritionists working with the players every day. I’ve walked into the massage room at 3 a.m. — and they were still on duty. This is the invisible but critically important work that affects results,» he noted.
A full medical facility is planned for the new national training base, the coach confirmed.
Climate and adaptation
One of the priorities in preparing the team is acclimatizing the players to conditions in the U.S., Canada and Mexico — the host countries of the upcoming World Cup. According to Kapadze, humidity and time zone differences will be key challenges.
«We’ve already gone through humidity adaptation before matches in the Emirates. We’ll also travel early for the World Cup — at least a week in advance, preferably two. We’ll be looking for the best possible training location so the team can prepare and acclimate,» Kapadze shared.
He added that discussions with the Uzbekistan Football Association (UFA) and FIFA are underway to determine the timeline for ending the domestic league season early, allowing the national team to convene in advance.
