AFC Asian Cup
The Central Asian nation ended years of frustration since gaining independence in 1991 to secure their berth at the Finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico and Fabio Cannavaro’s side will be keen to build on that experience at the AFC Asian Cup.
Factfile
FIFA Ranking: 59th
Previous appearances: Eight
First appearance: 1996
Best finish: Semi-finals (2011)
2023 result: Quarter-finals
How they qualified: Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 Group E runners-up
Group B fixtures - Jan 8: Jordan, Jan 12: DPR Korea, Jan 17: Bahrain
Fun fact: Uzbekistan won the Asian Games gold medal in 1994, their first appearance in continental competition after gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991
FIFA Ranking: 59th
Previous appearances: Eight
First appearance: 1996
Best finish: Semi-finals (2011)
2023 result: Quarter-finals
How they qualified: Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 Group E runners-up
Group B fixtures - Jan 8: Jordan, Jan 12: DPR Korea, Jan 17: Bahrain
Fun fact: Uzbekistan won the Asian Games gold medal in 1994, their first appearance in continental competition after gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991
Uzbekistan made their first appearance at the AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates in 1996, two years after winning the gold medal at the Asian Games, the country’s competitive debut in continental competition.
The medal-winning exploits in Hiroshima suggested Uzbekistan would quickly establish themselves within the upper tier of Asian competition but, instead of a rapid rise, the ascent has taken close to three decades with blips along the way.
The medal-winning exploits in Hiroshima suggested Uzbekistan would quickly establish themselves within the upper tier of Asian competition but, instead of a rapid rise, the ascent has taken close to three decades with blips along the way.
Group stage exits in 1996 and 2000 were followed by quarter-final appearances in 2004 and 2007. It was at the 2011 tournament in Qatar that the Uzbeks made their most significant impact to date, charging through to the semi-finals, where they lost to Australia.
Since then Uzbekistan have gone out in the quarter-finals twice – in 2015 and 2023 – and in the last 16 in 2019 but the country’s continued growth and development at youth level suggests Cannavaro’s squad could make a major impact in Saudi Arabia.
Since then Uzbekistan have gone out in the quarter-finals twice – in 2015 and 2023 – and in the last 16 in 2019 but the country’s continued growth and development at youth level suggests Cannavaro’s squad could make a major impact in Saudi Arabia.
Uzbekistan qualified for the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024 to make the country’s first appearance at the Finals, that success coming in the wake of wins in the AFC U23 Asian Cup in 2018 and the AFC U20 Asian Cup in 2023.
The current senior squad features a potent mix of youth and experience, with the nation’s top scorer and captain Eldor Shomurodov leading the way with his exploits in front of goal.
The current senior squad features a potent mix of youth and experience, with the nation’s top scorer and captain Eldor Shomurodov leading the way with his exploits in front of goal.
Central defender Abdukodir Khusanov has exhibited his ability on the biggest stages at club level since joining Premier League side Manchester City while Abbosbek Fayzullaev’s industry and creativity have been key for his nation at all levels.
