Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues travel guidance for Uzbek fans heading to the World Cup

With Uzbekistan set to make its historic World Cup debut next week, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued guidance to fans travelling to the United States and Mexico, calling on them to follow local laws, stay safe, and conduct themselves in a way that reflects well on the country.

Photo: Frame from the video

The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Uzbekistan's national team is participating in the tournament for the first time, drawn into Group F alongside Portugal, Colombia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

What the MFA is advising

Ministry spokesperson Omonulla Fayziev urged fans to carefully review entry requirements, visa and immigration rules, and to ensure all necessary documents are in order before departure. Travelers are advised to carry original passports and other key documents, along with digital and paper copies, throughout their trip.

Fans are also asked to plan their routes in advance, rely on official transport and information services, take personal safety precautions in crowded areas, and avoid participating in any unsanctioned public gatherings. Should an emergency arise, whether a lost document or any other situation, citizens should contact local emergency services or Uzbekistan's diplomatic missions in the United States.

Representing more than yourself

Fayziev stressed that fans abroad carry a responsibility beyond personal conduct. "We call on all our supporters to back the national team with dignity and to treat the laws, public order, local traditions, and culture of the host countries with respect," he said.

The ministry warned that any violations would entail personal legal liability, and that the behavior of individuals could damage perceptions of Uzbekistan as a whole. "During major international sporting events like the World Cup, attention to Uzbekistan and its citizens is heightened. Every compatriot must remember that they are abroad not only as a fan, but as a representative of Uzbekistan. Behaving in a cultured, responsible, and law-abiding manner will only strengthen the positive image of our country," Fayziev added.

The ministry confirmed it would continue to prioritize the safety and legal protection of Uzbek citizens abroad and stands ready to provide consular assistance where needed.

Uzbekistan's World Cup schedule

The national team opens its campaign on June 18 at 7:00 AM against Colombia at the Mexico City Stadium. They then face Portugal in Houston on June 23, before closing the group stage against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Atlanta on June 27.

The guidance follows an earlier appeal by Uzbekistan's Consulate General in New York, which had called on citizens to respect local laws and culture amid a reported rise in violations involving Uzbek nationals in the United States, cautioning that such incidents risk casting a shadow over the broader Uzbek community abroad.