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⚽️ Player guide | Bracketology | Golden Boot | Mail JonathanFabio Cannavaro has continued with the 3-4-3 that served Uzbekistan well in qualifying. Khusanov is the only man in the starting XI to play in one of Europe’s top five leagues. The promising playmaker Fayzullaev is on the cusp of bigger things at İstanbul Başakşehir, where he is teammates with the proven goalscorer Shomurodov. Everyone else in the squad is drawn from clubs in Uzbekistan, Iran, or the UAE.1 Yusupov; 18 Abdullaev, 5 Ashurmatov, 2 Khusanov; 13 Nasrullaev 7 Shukurov, 6 Mozgovoy, 24 Karimov; 22 Fayzullaev, 11 Urunov, 14 Shomurodov. Continue reading...
Full preview of Uzbekistan for the 2026 World Cup, including squad breakdown, key players, and tactical analysis of their chances. Uzbekistan makes its historic debut at the 2026 tournament in North America, shedding the label of a team that always falls just short in qualifying. After decades of near misses, the Central Asian nation secured its first-ever berth with an impressive, defensively sound campaign. Slotted into Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and DR Congo, expectations remain grounded but optimistic. Being competitive against global heavyweights will be seen as a massive victory for the program. Readers can expect a deep dive into the team’s defensive structure, the late appointment of head coach Fabio Cannavaro, and the star players who finally pushed the squad over the line. Team profile CoachFabio CannavaroCaptainEldor ShomurodovNicknameWhite WolvesFIFA ranking50thConfederationAFCGroupGroup KBest World Cup resultDebutWorld Cup appearances1 (2026)Last World Cup appearanceN/A How Uzbekistan play Uzbekistan relies on a disciplined, defense-first approach to frustrate opponents and control space. Throughout their qualifying campaign, the White Wolves built their success from the back, utilizing a highly organized defensive structure that limits high-quality scoring chances. With Cannavaro now leading the team, the Uzbekistan formation is expected to remain compact and difficult to break down. The backline is anchored by Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov, whose top-level European experience provides a steadying presence against elite attackers. In possession, the team looks to transition quickly through the lines, utilizing direct passes to bypass the midfield. They rely heavily on the attacking partnership of Eldor Shomurodov and Abbosbek Fayzullaev to create chances on the counter. While their defensive solidity is a major strength, a lack of sustained possession against stronger international soccer teams 2026 could leave them isolated up top. This resilient tactical setup gives them a fighting chance to stay competitive in tightly contested group-stage matches. Fabio Cannavaro: The coach behind Uzbekistan Cannavaro took charge of the national team in late 2025, tasked with guiding the squad through its first appearance on the global stage. He replaced Srečko Katanec and interim coach Timur Kapadze, who successfully navigated the qualification campaign. As a player, Cannavaro is an undisputed legend, famously captaining Italy to the 2006 title and winning the Ballon d’Or. His managerial career, however, has been less decorated, featuring stints in China, Saudi Arabia, and Italy with mixed results. Despite the late coaching change, the Uzbekistan coach is not expected to overhaul the team’s identity. He will likely reinforce their defensive stability, drawing on his own elite playing experience. His leadership and tournament pedigree could prove invaluable in helping a debutant squad manage the pressure of the 2026 finals. Key player: Eldor Shomurodov Eldor Shomurodov is the undisputed talisman and captain of the national team. With 44 goals in 92 appearances, he is the country’s all-time leading scorer and the primary reason the White Wolves finally broke their qualification curse. The 6-foot-3 forward currently plays for İstanbul Başakşehir in Turkey, where he has enjoyed a resurgence in form alongside international teammate Abbosbek Fayzullaev. Despite his height, Shomurodov plays with the mobility and work rate of a winger, allowing the team to play both directly and through the lines. His ability to hold up play and provide an aerial threat is crucial for a team that relies on counter-attacks. If Shomurodov can replicate his recent club success on the international stage, Uzbekistan will have a reliable outlet to relieve defensive pressure and finish limited chances. Uzbekistan’s road to the 2026 World Cup After decades of falling short, the White Wolves finally navigated the Asian qualification
With Jesus officially stepping away from the project after winning the Saudi Pro League title, the search for his successor is now one of the biggest stories surrounding the club. Cristiano Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus may have just delivered one of the most memorable seasons in recent Al-Nassr history, but attention has already shifted toward the next major decision facing the Saudi champion. With Jesus officially stepping away from the project after winning the Saudi Pro League title, the search for his successor is now one of the biggest stories surrounding the club. The uncertainty has fueled widespread speculation, with several high-profile managers linked to the vacancy. While names continue to circulate in reports across Europe and the Middle East, a new update suggests the timeline for appointing the next coach is becoming clearer. Jesus’ departure did not come as a surprise to those inside the club. The Portuguese manager had already revealed that his stay in Riyadh was always intended to be short-term, even before the season began. “It is true that I am not going to continue in Saudi Arabia,” Jesus said after the title-clinching victory. The veteran coach explained that the decision had been planned from the start and that the physical and emotional demands of the campaign influenced his choice to step away. His final match could hardly have been more fitting. Al-Nassr secured the Saudi Pro League crown with a commanding 4-1 victory over Damac, with Ronaldo scoring twice as the club celebrated its first league title since 2019. The achievement completed a promise Jesus had made when he accepted the role. According to the manager, helping Ronaldo finally win the Saudi championship was one of the key reasons he agreed to take charge. “I told him: I only accept this Nassr project because of you. We are both going to win the championship and you will leave here with a title. That is what happened.” Ronaldo now waits for the next chapter With the title secured and Jesus gone, the focus has shifted to identifying the manager who will lead the club into a new era. Reports suggest Ronaldo is expected to have a significant voice in the process, given his influence within the project and his importance to the club’s future plans. Among the names linked with the position, perhaps none has generated more attention than Pep Guardiola. The possibility of seeing Guardiola and Ronaldo together at club level would represent one of the most remarkable managerial moves in recent soccer history. Reports indicate that early exploratory contact has been made, although no agreement has been reached. Guardiola remains a dream target rather than an imminent appointment. Meanwhile, Abel Ferreira has also emerged as a strong candidate. His success in South America, including multiple Copa Libertadores triumphs, has strengthened his reputation as a manager capable of handling pressure and expectations. Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates victory with Roberto Martinez, Manager of Portugal. Perhaps the most intriguing option is Roberto Martinez. Having already worked closely with Ronaldo as Portugal coach, Martinez is familiar with the demands of managing elite players and is highly respected within soccer circles. The World Cup factor While supporters continue debating the merits of each candidate, a crucial detail has emerged regarding the timeline. According to former Al-Nassr legal department manager Saad Al-Subaie on X (formerly Twitter), the club wants to complete the process relatively soon. However, the situation is complicated by the international calendar. Several coaching targets are involved with national teams or could become available only after the 2026 World Cup concludes, creating uncertainty about the final decision. This is particularly relevant in the case of Roberto Martinez, who is currently leading the Portuguese national team and would not be expected to become available until after the tournament concludes. At the same ti
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