FIFA World Cup 2026 Uzbekistan: Schedule, How to Watch, History & Record
No country from Central Asia had ever played at a FIFA World Cup. Then came Uzbekistan. A 0-0 draw in the UAE on June 5, 2025 ended that drought forever, sending the White Wolves to Group K of the World Cup 2026 Uzbekistan alongside Portugal, Colombia, and DR Congo.
The draw handed them a brutal group, but the nation celebrated one of the biggest nights in its footballing history.
This is Uzbekistan’s first World Cup appearance. Fabio Cannavaro, the 2006 World Cup winner and one of the finest defenders of his generation, took charge in October 2025 specifically to prepare the team for this moment.
Uzbekistan sits 50th in the FIFA rankings as of April 1, 2026, which places them as the lowest-ranked side in Group K but firmly in the top half of the 48-team field.
Uzbekistan World Cup 2026 Schedule (Local Time)
Uzbekistan operates on Uzbekistan Time (UZT), which is UTC+5. The country does not observe daylight saving time, so the offset stays fixed throughout the summer. Fans watching from Tashkent will need to keep unusual hours for two of the three group games.
| Date | Opponent | Time (UZT) | Time (ET) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 17, 2026 | Colombia | June 18, 7:00 AM | 10:00 PM ET | Mexico City Stadium |
| June 23, 2026 | Portugal | 10:00 PM | 1:00 PM ET | Houston Stadium |
| June 27, 2026 | DR Congo | June 28, 4:30 AM | 7:30 PM ET | Atlanta Stadium |
The Colombia match kicks off just after midnight in Uzbekistan, and the DR Congo fixture falls in the early hours of the morning. Only the Portugal game falls at a watchable local hour. Check the full World Cup 2026 schedule for all group stage timings.
The top two teams from each group advance to the Round of 32, and the eight best third-placed teams also qualify for the knockout stage.
How to Watch World Cup 2026 Uzbekistan
Zo’r TV holds the exclusive broadcast rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Uzbekistan. The privately-owned entertainment channel will carry all three of Uzbekistan’s group stage matches live. It is the only way to watch the games on television inside the country.
Zo’r TV is available on free-to-air television across Uzbekistan. Fans can also check FIFA+ for international streaming coverage where geo-restrictions allow.
How to Stream World Cup 2026 Uzbekistan
| Platform | Language | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zo’r TV (app/online) | Uzbek/Russian | Free | Official broadcaster, all matches |
| FIFA+ | Multiple | Free | Where available; check local geo-restrictions |
How to Listen to World Cup 2026 in Uzbekistan
Uzbek national radio services are expected to carry live commentary on all three group stage matches in Uzbek and Russian. Check local radio listings closer to June for confirmed schedules.
Uzbekistan World Cup History and Record
Uzbekistan has never played at a FIFA World Cup before 2026. The country declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and spent over three decades trying to reach the tournament. The White Wolves came close more than once in AFC qualifying. The 2026 campaign finally delivered.
Qualifying for this tournament required navigating the AFC third round, arguably the most competitive stage in Asian football. Uzbekistan finished second in their group behind Iran, beating Qatar 3-0 and defeating North Korea 1-0 along the way. They drew 2-2 with Iran and sealed their place with a goalless draw in the UAE. Their full qualifying record in the third round reads: six wins, three draws, one loss. The mathematics of their achievement is clean. They earned it.
Uzbekistan becomes the first Central Asian nation to qualify for the World Cup, and only the third former Soviet republic after Russia and Ukraine to reach the tournament. For a country whose football programme had been largely invisible on the global stage, this is a milestone that will not be forgotten.
World Cup 2026 Uzbekistan Predictions and Analysis
Group K is a tough draw for a debut nation. Portugal are among the tournament favourites. Colombia are physical and experienced. DR Congo are organised and disciplined. Uzbekistan’s realistic target is performance over advancement. A point or two from three matches would be a strong debut.
Cannavaro has shaped the team around defensive discipline. He knows better than most what it takes to shut out elite attackers. Expect a compact 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1, a narrow mid-block, and quick transitions. The Colombia game on June 17 is Uzbekistan’s best shot at a result. Portugal on June 23 is a different problem entirely.
Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City) is the headline name and the team’s best defender by some distance. His experience under Pep Guardiola gives the backline a level of tactical understanding that filters through the entire unit.
Eldor Shomurodov (Istanbul Basaksehir, on loan from Roma) is the captain and all-time leading scorer. He brings Serie A-tested composure in front of goal.
Oston Urunov (Persepolis) controls the midfield tempo and is one of the few players in the squad comfortable on the ball under pressure.
Akmal Mozgovoy (Baniyas) adds grit and range in central midfield.
The biggest risk is the experience gap. Most of the squad plays domestic or lower-level European football. Facing Portugal and Colombia’s attack will stress the defensive structure. See the full Group K preview for how the group is expected to unfold.
Uzbekistan FIFA World Cup 2026 FAQs
What group is Uzbekistan in at the 2026 World Cup?
Uzbekistan are in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and DR Congo. Their matches run from June 17 to June 27, 2026, with games played in Mexico City, Houston, and Atlanta.
When is Uzbekistan’s first World Cup match?
Uzbekistan play their opening match against Colombia on June 17, 2026 at 10:00 PM ET (7:00 AM UZT on June 18) at Mexico City Stadium. It is the first competitive World Cup game in the nation’s history.
How did Uzbekistan qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Uzbekistan qualified through the AFC third round, finishing second in their group with a record of six wins, three draws, and one loss. They secured their place on June 5, 2025, with a 0-0 draw away to the UAE.
How can I watch Uzbekistan at the 2026 World Cup for free?
Zo’r TV holds the exclusive rights to broadcast the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Uzbekistan and is available free-to-air on television. Fans can also check FIFA+ for international streaming access where geo-restrictions permit.
Who is the head coach of Uzbekistan?
Fabio Cannavaro is the head coach of Uzbekistan, appointed in October 2025. The Italian legend won the 2006 World Cup with Italy and the Ballon d’Or that same year. He took the role specifically to lead Uzbekistan at their first World Cup.
Do fans from Uzbekistan need a visa to attend matches in the USA?
Uzbekistan is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program. Citizens will generally need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa before travelling. Check the US Embassy in Tashkent for full visa requirements and application procedures.
Who are Uzbekistan’s key players at the 2026 World Cup?
Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City) leads the defence and is the squad’s most high-profile name. Eldor Shomurodov (Istanbul Basaksehir, on loan from Roma) captains the side and is Uzbekistan’s all-time top scorer. Oston Urunov (Persepolis) runs the midfield, and Akmal Mozgovoy (Baniyas) adds physicality and range in the centre of the park.
Whatever happens in Group K, this squad has already made history as the first Central Asian side to reach the sport’s biggest stage. World Cup 2026 Uzbekistan starts a new chapter in the country’s football story.
