AFC Asian Qualifiers
Seven previous attempts at FIFA World Cup qualification have seen Uzbekistan falter in the the final round but the Central Asian side look well placed to book a berth in the 2026 Finals, to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Factfile
How they got there: Round 2 Group E runners-up
2022 AFC Asian Qualifiers Record: Eliminated in Round 2
Previous FIFA World Cup appearances: 0
Head Coach: Srecko Katanec (SLO)
Fun Fact: The closest Uzbekistan have come to qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Finals was in 2006 and 2014, with elimination suffered at the playoff stage.
History shows that Uzbekistan have always put themselves in contention of reaching the global showpiece, only to come up just short.
The Qatar 2022 qualifiers, however, were an exception with Uzbekistan failing to advance from the second round but Srecko Katanec's side are back among the continent's elite with vengeance on their mind.
They enjoyed a sterling second round, finishing behind Islamic Republic of Iran in the final standings but - crucially - holding their own in both matches against their Central Asian rivals.
The other opponents were easily brushed aside and with eight spots available for Asia at the FIFA World Cup 2026, Uzbekistan will head into the third round extremely confident of their chances.
Katanec gets a share of the credit as the Slovenian has moulded Uzbekistan into an exciting attacking team.
The players have also risen to the challenge, with the emerging talent complementing the experienced stars and Uzbekistan's opponents will do well to tread warily against a side determined to join the world's best in 2026.
