AFC Asian Qualifiers
The head coach led the Under-23 side to their first-ever Olympic participation at Paris 2024 and most recently, took the national team to the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Kapadze shares with the-AFC.com on the seismic effect of reaching the World Cup Finals and what lies in store for the Central Asian side at the global showpiece next year.
Kapadze shares with the-AFC.com on the seismic effect of reaching the World Cup Finals and what lies in store for the Central Asian side at the global showpiece next year.
“Of course, this is a historic achievement for us,” said Kapadze. “The World Cup is the most prestigious tournament in the world of football.
“We’ve worked hard for many years to make this dream come true, and finally, our efforts have paid off. The entire nation is overjoyed.
“I believe this success is a huge source of inspiration not only for us but for the whole country, and it marks a major step forward.”
In his playing days, all-action midfielder Kapadze was at the centre of Uzbekistan’s bid to reach the FIFA World Cup, going agonisingly close to fulfilling their dreams in the 2006 and 2014 editions.
“We’ve worked hard for many years to make this dream come true, and finally, our efforts have paid off. The entire nation is overjoyed.
“I believe this success is a huge source of inspiration not only for us but for the whole country, and it marks a major step forward.”
In his playing days, all-action midfielder Kapadze was at the centre of Uzbekistan’s bid to reach the FIFA World Cup, going agonisingly close to fulfilling their dreams in the 2006 and 2014 editions.
Both times, Kapadze led the team to a playoff spot but had to endure the disappointment of losing on away goals to Bahrain in the 2006 Qualifiers and on penalties to Jordan in the 2014 Qualifiers, all of which has made the reaching the 2026 Finals all the more sweeter, especially with the boon it is expected to have in terms of football growth in the country.
“Achievements like this play a major role in boosting the growth of the sport. Even now, we see more and more young people showing interest in football, and many parents are enrolling their children in football schools.
“That’s very encouraging. This momentum will help attract more sponsors, enhance infrastructure and broaden the talent pool.”
“Achievements like this play a major role in boosting the growth of the sport. Even now, we see more and more young people showing interest in football, and many parents are enrolling their children in football schools.
“That’s very encouraging. This momentum will help attract more sponsors, enhance infrastructure and broaden the talent pool.”
The 43-year-old is adamant that the success of taking Uzbekistan to the World Cup only came about because of those before him, in particular his predecessor Srecko Katanec who navigated six of the 10 matches in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26.
The Slovenian was forced to leave the role because of medical reasons but not before leading the team to four wins, one draw and one defeat - leaving Uzbekistan firmly entrenched in second spot behind Islamic Republic of Iran in Group A.
“Honestly, it wasn’t easy (coming into the team midway). The environment was tense, with important matches ahead and very little time.
“I had to integrate into the team quickly and deliver results immediately. In past qualifying campaigns, we came close but couldn’t quite make it in the end. But this time, thank God, we stayed strong till the end, prepared well, and secured our place in the World Cup.”
The Slovenian was forced to leave the role because of medical reasons but not before leading the team to four wins, one draw and one defeat - leaving Uzbekistan firmly entrenched in second spot behind Islamic Republic of Iran in Group A.
“Honestly, it wasn’t easy (coming into the team midway). The environment was tense, with important matches ahead and very little time.
“I had to integrate into the team quickly and deliver results immediately. In past qualifying campaigns, we came close but couldn’t quite make it in the end. But this time, thank God, we stayed strong till the end, prepared well, and secured our place in the World Cup.”
#AsianQualifiers - Road To 26 | Group A : UAE 0 - 0 Uzbekistan
Under Kapadze, Uzbekistan defeated Kyrgyz Republic 1-0 before holding Iran to a 2-2 stalemate in Tehran to set up a vital away clash against the United Arab Emirates, the goalless draw confirming qualification and setting off celebrations back home.
“Every match has its own pressure, but the game in Abu Dhabi was different, we knew it was decisive.
“We were aware that just one point would be enough, which brought a unique level of tension. But we trusted ourselves, prepared well, and ultimately achieved the result we needed.”
With qualification secured, the White Wolves capped an impressive campaign with a 3-0 win against Qatar on home soil with Kapadze and his coaching staff now laying the groundwork for their global debut.
“Every match has its own pressure, but the game in Abu Dhabi was different, we knew it was decisive.
“We were aware that just one point would be enough, which brought a unique level of tension. But we trusted ourselves, prepared well, and ultimately achieved the result we needed.”
With qualification secured, the White Wolves capped an impressive campaign with a 3-0 win against Qatar on home soil with Kapadze and his coaching staff now laying the groundwork for their global debut.
#AsianQualifiers - Road To 26 | Group A: Uzbekistan 3-0 Qatar
“We already have a solid foundation. However, we still have time ahead of us and several friendly matches to play. We will use those matches to test new players.
“If someone performs well, of course we’ll consider including them in the squad. So we aim to maintain stability while also encouraging healthy competition.
“We intend to make full use of every FIFA window, playing as many friendlies as possible to prepare. The CAFA Nations Cup, in my view, is also a valuable competition.
“It gives us a chance to play against different teams within a short period. It’s also a great opportunity to test new players. Every match and tournament, no matter how small, will be useful in our preparation.”
“If someone performs well, of course we’ll consider including them in the squad. So we aim to maintain stability while also encouraging healthy competition.
“We intend to make full use of every FIFA window, playing as many friendlies as possible to prepare. The CAFA Nations Cup, in my view, is also a valuable competition.
“It gives us a chance to play against different teams within a short period. It’s also a great opportunity to test new players. Every match and tournament, no matter how small, will be useful in our preparation.”
Kapadze said Uzbekistan will not be at next year’s Finals just to make up the numbers, stressing that the players need to continue to push boundaries.
“Yes, this is Uzbekistan’s debut at the World Cup. Everything will be new for us. Simply participating in such a major tournament and gaining that experience is already very valuable.
“But we will approach every match aiming to win. God willing, if we can advance from the group stage and go as far as possible, that would be great. This marks a new chapter and a new level for us.”
“Yes, this is Uzbekistan’s debut at the World Cup. Everything will be new for us. Simply participating in such a major tournament and gaining that experience is already very valuable.
“But we will approach every match aiming to win. God willing, if we can advance from the group stage and go as far as possible, that would be great. This marks a new chapter and a new level for us.”
In wanting to enhance the team and ensure that Uzbekistan will be competitive no matter their opponents, Kapadze is looking at his players to broaden their experience with a higher level of football.
With Abdukhodir Khusanov (Manchester City), Eldor Shomurodov (Basaksehir), Abbosbek Fayzullaev (CSKA Moscow) and Khusniddin Alikulov (Rizespor) plying their trade with European clubs, Kapadze is hoping a few more will follow suit.
“It’s very important. Playing in major leagues helps them gain high-level experience, and the fact that they bring that experience back and contribute to the national team is very satisfying.
“Football in Europe is very competitive, and our players are becoming stronger and more mature by playing there, which benefits the national team greatly.”
With Abdukhodir Khusanov (Manchester City), Eldor Shomurodov (Basaksehir), Abbosbek Fayzullaev (CSKA Moscow) and Khusniddin Alikulov (Rizespor) plying their trade with European clubs, Kapadze is hoping a few more will follow suit.
“It’s very important. Playing in major leagues helps them gain high-level experience, and the fact that they bring that experience back and contribute to the national team is very satisfying.
“Football in Europe is very competitive, and our players are becoming stronger and more mature by playing there, which benefits the national team greatly.”