Before the start of the 2026 World Cup, the captain of the Uzbekistan national football team, Eldor Shomurodov, shared ambitious plans, emphasizing the growing support from fans in Central Asia. In an exclusive interview with FIFA, he noted that significant achievements in sports have allowed Uzbek footballers to find their place in leading European clubs.
The Uzbekistan national team is currently preparing for tough matches in Group C, where they will face giants like Portugal and Colombia. Despite the high strength of their opponents, the team has a clear goal: to reach the knockout stage.
Shomurodov emphasized: "We strive to defend the honor of our country and prove that Uzbekistan is a strong team. Our participation in the tournament inspires not only Uzbek viewers but also football fans across Central Asia. If we demonstrate a worthy level of play, we can attract new fans to Uzbek football from all over the world."
The 26-year-old forward, who has become a key player for Istanbul's Başakşehir, having scored 12 goals in 17 matches, symbolizes a new era for Uzbek football. With talents like Abdukodir Khusainov and Abbas Faizullaev on the team, he is ready to show that the region can compete with the world's sports leaders.
FIFA notes that the current squad of the Uzbekistan national team has the potential to compete against teams featuring stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodríguez. Shomurodov's experience and leadership qualities will play a crucial role in the success of the "White Wolves" on the fields of North America this summer.
