AFC Women's Asian Cup
The Central Asian side are determined to make up for lost time, with a promising generation of stars ready to announce themselves on the continental stage.
Factfile
FIFA Ranking: 49
Previous appearances: 5
Best finish: Group stage
2022 record: Did not participate
How they qualified: Group F winners
Group B fixtures: March 3: v DPR Korea; March 6: v China PR; March 9: v Bangladesh
Fun fact: Uzbekistan will be seeking to advance from the Group Stage for the first time at Australia 2026
FIFA Ranking: 49
Previous appearances: 5
Best finish: Group stage
2022 record: Did not participate
How they qualified: Group F winners
Group B fixtures: March 3: v DPR Korea; March 6: v China PR; March 9: v Bangladesh
Fun fact: Uzbekistan will be seeking to advance from the Group Stage for the first time at Australia 2026
The heartbreak of narrowly missing out on Jordan 2018 and India 2022 still lingers, fuelling a squad that has grown stronger with each campaign.
That resilience was tested to the limit during the Qualifiers, when Uzbekistan found themselves locked in an extraordinary battle with Nepal for top spot in Group F.
Both sides finished level on seven points, identical goal difference and even goals scored (20) and conceded (3), forcing the group to be decided by a penalty shootout in the most dramatic of circumstances on July 5, 2025 at Tashkent’s Milly Stadium.
Under the guidance of Lithuanian head coach Kotryna Kulbyte, Uzbekistan held their nerve to triumph 4-2 in the shootout to book their long-awaited return to Asia’s premier competition.
Drawn in Group B, Uzbekistan face a formidable opening test against three-time winners DPR Korea, followed by defending champions China PR before concluding their group campaign against Bangladesh.
Kulbyte has been instrumental in nurturing a new wave of talent while maintaining belief within the squad.
Experienced figures such as Lyudmila Karachik, Diyorakhon Khabibullae and Maftuna Shoimova will be expected to lead by example as Uzbekistan target a breakthrough campaign.
