Fabio Cannavaro announces Uzbekistan's final 26–man squad for historic World Cup debut

The Uzbekistan Football Association has revealed the final 26–man roster selected by head coach Fabio Cannavaro for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the country's historic first-time appearance at the global tournament. The finalized squad comprises 3 goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 10 midfielders, and 3 forwards.

Photo: O'FA

The goalkeeper selection includes Utkir Yusupov from Navbahor, Abduvohid Nematov representing Nasaf, and Botirali Ergashev from Neftchi.

Cannavaro has opted for a robust defensive lineup featuring Abdukodir Khusanov of Manchester City, Khojiakbar Alijonov of Pakhtakor, Farrukh Sayfiev of Neftchi, Rustam Ashurmatov of Istiklol, Umar Eshmurodov of Nasaf, Sherzod Nasrullaev of Pakhtakor, Abdulla Abdullaev of Dibba, Avazbek Ulmasaliev of AGMK, Jakhongir Urozov of Dinamo, and Bekhruz Karimov of Surkhon.

The midfield department will be anchored by Akmal Mozgovoy of Pakhtakor, Otabek Shukurov of Baniyas, Jamshid Iskanderov of Neftchi, Odil Hamrobekov of Traktor, Jaloliddin Masharipov of Istiklol, Oston Urunov of Persepolis, Dostonbek Khamdamov of Pakhtakor, Aziz Ganiev of Al–Bataeh, Abbosbek Fayzullaev of Istanbul Basaksehir, and Sherzod Esanov of Bukhara.

Leading the attack for the national team will be Eldor Shomurodov of Istanbul Basaksehir, Igor Sergeev of Persepolis, and Azizbek Amonov of Dinamo.

Four players from the preliminary training squad did not make the final cut for the tournament. Defender Ruslanbek Jiyanov of Navbahor, midfielder Umarali Rakhmonaliev of Azerbaijani club Sabah, midfielder Jasur Jaloliddinov of Sogdiana, and forward Sherzod Temirov of Iraqi side Erbil were left out of the final selection.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Uzbekistan will kick off its landmark debut campaign on June 18 against Colombia. The opening match is scheduled to take place in Mexico City, with kickoff set for 8:00 AM Tashkent time.