Uzbekistan Qualifies for World Cup for First Time After Draw

ABU DHABI, June 5 (Reuters) – Uzbekistan has qualified for the FIFA World Cup finals for the first time in its history after a 0-0 draw with the United Arab Emirates on Thursday. The historic achievement comes at the eighth attempt for the Central Asian nation.

The draw allowed Uzbekistan to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup, becoming the fifth nation to qualify, joining co-hosts United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Iran, and New Zealand. The Uzbeks now await their chance to compete in the tournament set to feature 48 teams for the first time.

Goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov played a crucial role in the match, making three key saves in the second half to ensure Uzbekistan earned the necessary point for qualification in Asian Group A. Center-back Abdukodir Khusanov and striker Eldor Shomurodov, the national team captain, have both played pivotal roles in the team’s successful campaign.

Uzbekistan last came close to qualifying in 2006 but faced defeat in a controversial two-legged playoff against Bahrain. Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the nation has qualified for every Asian Cup finals and made notable runs in the tournament.

Head coach Timur Kapadze, appointed earlier this year, expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishment. “This is a significant moment for us,” Kapadze said after the match. “We have worked hard to reach this point, and our players deserve this recognition.”

The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first expansion of the tournament format since 1998.