Uzbekistan and Jordan Qualify for Their First Men’s World Cup

ABU DHABI, June 5 (Reuters) – Uzbekistan and Jordan qualified for the 2026 World Cup for the first time in their histories after pivotal matches on Thursday. Uzbekistan secured their spot with a 0-0 draw against the United Arab Emirates, ensuring their advance from Asia’s Group A.

Uzbekistan goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov made several key saves in the second half, which helped his team earn the necessary point to finish second in the group. This marks the first time Uzbekistan has qualified after eight attempts since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The team is now poised to join co-hosts United States, Mexico, and Canada in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Jordan also confirmed their place by defeating Oman 3-0, which solidified their lead in Group B. This victory allowed them to finish with a four-point cushion above Iraq, who they face in their final match. Jordan’s coach Jamal Sellami expressed his pride in the team’s achievement, saying, “It’s a historic moment for Jordanian football.”

Uzbekistan’s national team captain Eldor Shomurodov, who plays for Roma, is among the team’s key players. Similarly, Jordan’s notable players include those who played well during their qualifiers. Jordan previously reached the playoffs for the 2014 World Cup but fell short against Uruguay.

The success of both teams comes in the wake of the expanded World Cup format, which will feature 48 nations for the first time. As of now, alongside Uzbekistan and Jordan, other qualified teams include Japan, New Zealand, Iran, and the defending champions, Argentina. The success also signifies recognition for both nations, who have historically been competitive in regional tournaments.

Uzbekistan joins the ranks of former Soviet republics that have qualified for the World Cup, following Russia and Ukraine. As the competition intensifies, excitement builds among fans, as they await the event scheduled for 2026.