On June 5 Uzbekistan’s men’s national football team qualified for the 2026 World Cup with a draw against the UAE. This will be the first World Cup appearance for Uzbekistan since it gained independence in 1991. The country is the first from Central Asia and only the third former Soviet state to reach the tournament. The team, known as the White Wolves, had previously fallen just short in 2006, 2014 and 2018, losing decisive matches to Bahrain and South Korea where a single extra goal would have changed their fate.
The qualification is linked to a period of sustained youth success. Uzbekistan’s U-23 side took part in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the nation's first Olympic football appearance, while the youth teams won the 2023 U-20 Asian Cup and the 2025 U-17 Asian Cup. Videos and a documentary have shown celebrations in Tashkent and the growing prominence of Uzbek footballers.
Reforms began in 2019 with the Concept for the Development of Football until 2030, a plan to change how professional and amateur football are run. It set out measures to popularise the game, introduce VAR, increase the number of academies and install a scouting and talent-development system. Officials describe the recent wins as evidence of planned reforms rather than luck. The government has highlighted the achievements as proof of wider change, and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev framed the victories as examples of his promised "New Uzbekistan," though the report notes the term remains vague and it is unclear how all reforms will work in practice. After qualification, Mirziyoyev said the team showed "what high achievements the brave and determined youth of New Uzbekistan are capable of." On June 10 he met the team, presented state awards and cars, and said the success would strengthen the international authority of New Uzbekistan.
Difficult words
- independence — freedom from control by another country
- decisive — causing a clear final result
- sustained — continuing over an extended period
- reform — planned changes to improve a systemreforms
- academy — school or training centre for athletesacademies
- scouting — searching for talented players to recruit
- prominence — importance or public attention for someone
- authority — power to influence or be respected
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How might the recent youth tournament wins have helped the senior national team qualify?
- Do you think the government's public rewards and praise will help Uzbek football develop long term? Why or why not?
- What practical challenges could slow down the 2019 football reforms described in the article?
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