Tashkent Welcomes Uzbekistan National Football Team After World Cup Debut
The Uzbekistan national football team touched down in Tashkent on July 1 to a warm and solemn welcome at the capital’s international airport. Fans and officials gathered to greet the squad following their debut performance at the 2026 World Cup.
Although the team suffered defeats in all three of their group stage matches against Colombia, Portugal and DR Congo, the atmosphere remained one of national pride. Prior to the team’s arrival, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev issued a powerful statement calling on citizens to rally behind the athletes rather than focus on the results.
A historic milestone
President Mirziyoyev described the team’s participation as a victory in its own right. In a message addressed to the nation, he emphasised that the tournament provided the squad with essential experience against the world’s best footballing nations. He specifically praised midfielder Abbosbek Fayzullaev and captain Eldor Shomurodov for scoring the first-ever goals for Uzbekistan in World Cup history.
«These players have gifted great joy to all the residents of Uzbekistan,» the President stated. «It is not in our nature to display excessive emotion or seek out those to blame among the members of the national team who have defended the honour of our Motherland. On the contrary, today the support and morale boosting of these players is more important than ever.»
The President assured the public that the major triumphs for Uzbek football are still ahead. He confirmed that the state intends to increase its investment in the sport significantly, with plans to enhance infrastructure and create better training conditions for professional athletes.
