🇺🇿 Uzbekistan World Cup 2026 squad: players, key names and tactical analysis

⚽ Quick guide with official squad, key players, strengths and tactical outlook.

Uzbekistan head into the 2026 World Cup as a historic team with a strong domestic base, Shomurodov’s attacking leadership and an internationally promising defender. FIFA’s official squad list confirms a 26-player group led by Fabio Cannavaro. In a short tournament, the challenge is turning the team’s best traits into a stable competitive structure.

⚡ Quick facts

• Team: Uzbekistan
• Head coach: Fabio Cannavaro
• World Cup 2026: World Cup 2026
• Team profile: a historic team with a strong domestic base, Shomurodov’s attacking leadership and an internationally promising defender

📋 Official squad list

🧤 Goalkeepers

• Utkir Yusupov (PFC Navbahor Namangan, UZB)
• Abduvakhid Nematov (Nasaf Qarshi FC, UZB)
• Botirali Ergashev (FK Neftchi Farg'ona, UZB)

🛡️ Defenders

• Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City FC, ENG)
• Khojiakbar Alijonov (Pakhtakor Tashkent FK, UZB)
• Farrukh Sayfiev (FK Neftchi Farg'ona, UZB)
• Rustam Ashurmatov (Esteghlal Tehran FC, IRN)
• Sherzod Nasrullaev (Pakhtakor Tashkent FK, UZB)
• Umar Eshmurodov (Nasaf Qarshi FC, UZB)
• Abdulla Abdullaev (Dibba FC, UAE)
• Behruzjon Karimov (Surkhon FK, UZB)
• Avazbek Ulmasaliyev (OKMK FK, UZB)
• Jakhongir Urozov (FK Dinamo Samarkand, UZB)

🎯 Midfielders

• Akmal Mozgovoy (Pakhtakor Tashkent FK, UZB)
• Otabek Shukurov (Baniyas Club, UAE)
• Jamshid Iskanderov (FK Neftchi Farg'ona, UZB)
• Odiljon Xamrobekov (Tractor Sazi Tabriz FC, IRN)
• Jaloliddin Masharipov (Esteghlal Tehran FC, IRN)
• Oston Urunov (Persepolis FC, IRN)
• Dostonbek Khamdamov (Pakhtakor Tashkent FK, UZB)
• Azizjon Ganiev (Al Bataeh Club, UAE)
• Abbosbek Fayzullaev (Başakşehir FK, TUR)
• Sherzod Esanov (FK Buxoro, UZB)

⚽ Forwards

• Eldor Shomurodov (Başakşehir FK, TUR)
• Azizbek Amonov (FK Dinamo Samarkand, UZB)
• Igor Sergeev (Persepolis FC, IRN)

🔎 Squad analysis by line

The goalkeeping group provides options for high-pressure games. The defense combines aerial presence, experience and wide alternatives. Midfield should set rhythm, protect the block and feed forwards with space to attack. The broader idea can be built around organized block, defense led by Khusanov, cautious possession and attacks toward Shomurodov, Masharipov or Fayzullaev.

⭐ Key players

• Eldor Shomurodov
• Abdukodir Khusanov
• Abbosbek Fayzullaev
• Jaloliddin Masharipov
• Utkir Yusupov

✅ Strengths

• A 26-player squad validated from FIFA’s official list.
• A possible competitive identity based on organized block, defense led by Khusanov, cautious possession and attacks toward Shomurodov, Masharipov or Fayzullaev.
• Tactical variety to adjust by opponent, scoreline and match state.
• Internationally experienced players with complementary profiles by line.

⚠️ Questions to watch

• Efficiency in both boxes will be decisive.
• The team must maintain concentration throughout the match.
• The balance between pressing, defending deeper and building out can define the ceiling.
• The form of the key players will shape the World Cup run.

🧠 How Uzbekistan could play

Uzbekistan can build their plan around organized block, defense led by Khusanov, cautious possession and attacks toward Shomurodov, Masharipov or Fayzullaev. The structure needs to protect central areas, reduce risky losses and release the most dangerous players quickly.

🏆 What to expect at the 2026 World Cup

For Uzbekistan, the 2026 World Cup will demand pragmatism and precision. If ambition, order and efficiency come together, the team can compete beyond a simple name-by-name projection.

🎮 Try your prediction on WC26 Simulator

How far can Uzbekistan go at the 2026 World Cup? Build your bracket, simulate the tournament and share your prediction:

Simulate the World Cup 2026

📚 Sources and notes

• Official FIFA squad list, SquadLists-Spanish.pdf, page 48. Positions follow FIFA: PO goalkeeper, DF defender, MC midfielder, DC forward.