The Uzbekistan national football team made history by qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, marking the first time this Central Asian country will participate in the world’s largest football competition.
The historic success was achieved on June 5 with a goalless draw against the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi, securing Uzbekistan second place in their group, behind Iran, and thus a direct qualification for the World Cup to be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
After the final whistle in Abu Dhabi, Uzbekistan erupted in celebration. Thousands of fans poured onto the streets of Tashkent and other cities, celebrating the historic success with songs, flags, and fireworks. Upon their return home, the footballers were greeted with a red carpet, flowers, and ovations, welcomed at the airport by Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Football Association President Bahodir Kurbanov, and numerous other high-ranking officials.
President Mirziyoyev fulfilled his promise
Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who called the national team’s World Cup qualification the fulfillment of a dream for millions of citizens, personally congratulated the players and announced special awards. At a ceremonial event in Tashkent, each team member received a BYD electric car, valued at around 50,000 euros, as a symbol of recognition for their historic success and the promotion of the country on the world stage.
In addition to the cars, the players, coach Temur Kapadze, and members of the coaching staff were awarded the honorary title “Pride of Uzbekistan,” and received state medals and commendations. This gesture caused an additional wave of enthusiasm and pride among citizens, and the president emphasized that this success would be written in golden letters in the history of Uzbek sports.
Uzbekistan’s footballers have become national heroes and a symbol of the country’s new self-confidence. President Mirziyoyev, in his address, stressed that the success is the result of years of investment in sports and youth, and expressed his conviction that the World Cup appearance will further motivate younger generations to pursue their sporting dreams.
Legendary Slovenian gifted car to translator
A particularly emotional moment was recorded when 35-year-old defender Islam Tokhtakhodjaev decided to gift his car to teammate Bobir Abdikholikov, who was not part of the last gathering, thus showing the spirit of unity and humanity within the team.
Slovenian Srečko Katanec acted similarly; he was the coach of Uzbekistan until January of this year, when he resigned due to a cancer diagnosis. He was not forgotten – he also received a presidential award for the national team’s historic success. Katanec delighted everyone when he gifted his electric car to his translator, Davron Ahmedov.
Katanec was born in Ljubljana, and his parents are Croats from Međimurje. He began his career at Olimpija, and as a Yugoslav international, he played in the European and World Championships, winning an Olympic bronze in 1984. He arrived at Dinamo in 1985, but after just one season, he moved to Partizan, with whom he won the league title. He continued his career abroad – he played for Stuttgart, with whom he lost the UEFA Cup final to Maradona’s Napoli, and then for Sampdoria, with whom he won Serie A, the Italian Cup, and the Cup Winners’ Cup, and played in the Champions League final.
Football boom in Uzbekistan
After seven unsuccessful attempts, Uzbekistan finally managed to qualify for the World Cup, which represents the greatest success in the history of Uzbek football. Until now, their greatest achievements were gold at the 1994 Asian Games and a semi-final appearance at the 2011 Asian Cup. This success also brought international recognition – FIFA President Gianni Infantino personally congratulated President Mirziyoyev and the national team on their historic achievement.
The generation led by coach Timur Kapadze and captain Eldor Shomurodov has entered history. In a country that has experienced a football boom in recent years through the successes of its youth selections, including the U-23 team’s qualification for the Olympic Games and titles in Asian competitions, qualifying for the World Cup represents the culmination of several years of development.
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Source: Index.hr, Photo: EPA; Printscreen X