Uzbekistan will make its long-awaited debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming one of several so-called «footballing minnows» set to give the expanded tournament a fresh look — and new storylines.
For the first time, the World Cup will feature 48 teams instead of 32, opening the door for debutants such as Uzbekistan, Jordan and Cape Verde, as well as returning outsiders like Qatar, who have qualified on sporting merit rather than as hosts. The new format, with 12 groups and an enlarged knockout stage, has sparked debate over quality and competitiveness, but it has also widened access for emerging football nations.
Ranked 55th in the world, Uzbekistan enters the tournament as one of the higher-placed first-timers and arrives with a promising generation of young players. The Central Asian nation of nearly 40 million has endured years of near-misses in qualification campaigns, making this breakthrough a moment of national pride and a milestone for the region’s football.
Critics argue that expanding the field will inevitably lead to more one-sided matches and lower overall quality. Supporters counter that new teams enrich the competition, pointing to past shocks — from Senegal’s win over defending champions France in 2002 to Iceland and Wales’ deep runs at Euro 2016 — as proof that so-called outsiders can upset established powers.
For Uzbekistan, the opportunity is about more than seeding or rankings. A first World Cup appearance offers a global stage for its players, a boost to the country’s football infrastructure and a powerful symbol for fans who have followed the team through decades of disappointment.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Uzbekistan will be seen by some as an underdog in a crowded field. At home, however, the team’s presence alone is already being hailed as a victory — and a chance to write one of the tournament’s most compelling new stories.
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Uzbek weightlifter Akbar Juraev delivered an outstanding performance at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Representing Uzbekistan, Juraev dominated the competition in the under-110 kg weight class, winning three gold medals and becoming the absolute champion.
