Uzbekistan finally reaches the FIFA World Cup stage in 2026. You now follow a history-making team in a wide-open Group K.
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This guide walks you through fixtures, players, and how to watch from Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan World Cup 2026 Schedule (Uzbekistan Time)
Uzbekistan plays three Group K matches against Colombia, Portugal, and DR Congo between 17 and 28 June 2026. All fixtures below use Uzbekistan Time (UZT, UTC+5).
Group K Overview
- Group: K (Portugal, Colombia, DR Congo, Uzbekistan).
- Host countries for these games: Mexico, USA.
- Time zone for TV in Uzbekistan: UZT, usually early morning or late night.
Uzbekistan Group Matches in UZT
| Date | Kick-off | Match | Venue & City | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 June 2026 (Thu) | 07:00 AM | 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan vs Colombia | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico | Group K, Match 24. |
| 24 June 2026 (Wed) | 10:00 PM | Portugal vs 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan | NRG Stadium, Houston, USA | Group K, Match 47. |
| 28 June 2026 (Sun) | 04:30 AM | DR Congo vs 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan | Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, Atlanta, USA | Group K, Match 72. |
What the Schedule Means for You
- The opener against Colombia starts at breakfast time in Uzbekistan, perfect for a morning viewing routine before work.
- The Portugal match offers a prime late-evening kick-off, likely the best atmosphere for home watch-parties.
- The DR Congo game falls in the early hours; many fans will choose either all‑night viewing or delayed replays.
If Uzbekistan reaches the knockouts, you can expect similar late-evening or early-morning time slots because North American evenings correspond to late night in Tashkent.
Uzbekistan World Cup History and Records
Uzbekistan appears at the FIFA World Cup finals for the first time in 2026. The team tried and failed in several AFC qualifying campaigns after joining FIFA in the 1990s.
Key historical points:
- First World Cup appearance: 2026, USA/Canada/Mexico.
- Confederation: AFC (Asian Football Confederation).
- Pre-2026 record: multiple near-misses in AFC playoffs and group stages.
- Regional highlights: strong Asian Cup and U-20 results, showing a deep talent pipeline.
You watch a side that carries no previous World Cup baggage but holds years of continental experience and youth success.
Predictions and Tactical Analysis
Uzbekistan enters Group K as an underdog behind Portugal and Colombia but owns a realistic chance of finishing at least third. Their compact defending, clever midfield, and confident young forwards make them awkward to face.
Team Strengths
- Defensive structure: Modern back line with Europe-based defenders such as Abdukodir Khusanov brings pace and mobility.
- Midfield balance: Players like Odiljon Hamrobekov and Azizjon Ganiev offer pressing intensity and passing range.
- Youth development: Uzbekistan’s U-20 and Olympic sides show strong technical quality, now feeding the senior squad.
Main Concerns
- World Cup inexperience: No previous finals; coping with pressure and travel will test this group.
- Finishing under pressure: In AFC qualifying, chance conversion sometimes dropped in big games.
Key Players to Watch
- Abdukodir Khusanov (DF, Manchester City): Ball-playing center-back with top-level coaching background.
- Oston Urunov (MF, Persepolis): Creative attacking midfielder who links midfield to attack.
- Akmal Mozgovoy (MF, Baniyas): Box-to-box option with energy and shooting threat from distance.
- Jamshid Iskanderov (MF, Neftchi): Set-piece specialist and experienced leader.
If Uzbekistan takes at least four points from Colombia and DR Congo, they stay alive for the last‑16 or best third‑place path.
A single upset result against Portugal could turn this into one of the tournament’s surprise stories.
Projected Uzbekistan Squad for World Cup 2026
Latest available information suggests the core of the March 2026 selection under Fabio Cannavaro forms the backbone of the World Cup roster.
The final 23–26 man list may change due to form and injuries, but you can expect many of these names.
| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| GK | Utkir Yusupov | Navbahor Namangan |
| GK | Abduvohid Nematov | Nasaf |
| GK | Botirali Ergashev | Neftchi |
| DF | Abdukodir Khusanov | Manchester City |
| DF | Khojiakbar Alijonov | Pakhtakor |
| DF | Farrukh Sayfiev | Neftchi |
| DF | Rustam Ashurmatov | Esteghlal |
| DF | Sherzod Nasrullaev | Pakhtakor |
| DF | Umar Eshmurodov | Nasaf |
| DF | Bekhruz Karimov | Surkhon |
| DF | Mukhammadrasul Abdumazhidov | Pakhtakor |
| DF | Jakhongir Urozov | Dinamo |
| DF | Mukhammadkodir Khamraliev | Pakhtakor |
| MF | Akmal Mozgovoy | Baniyas |
| MF | Otabek Shukurov | Baniyas |
| MF | Jamshid Iskanderov | Neftchi |
| MF | Odiljon Hamrobekov | Tractor |
| MF | Azizjon Ganiev | Al Bataeh |
| MF | Oston Urunov | Persepolis |
| MF | Dostonbek Khamdamov | Pakhtakor |
Forwards are more fluid in current reporting, so you can expect additions from domestic top scorers and Europe or Gulf-based attackers as the tournament nears.
How to Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 in Uzbekistan
Official Broadcasters in Uzbekistan
Latest available information suggests Zo’r TV holds the primary TV rights to broadcast all World Cup 2026 matches in Uzbekistan.
Regional listings and specialist sites also mention Uzbekistan National TV (MTRK) and Sport TV Uzbekistan as World Cup carriers or partners.
Because local packaging can still change, treat the platforms below as the current picture, not final confirmation.
Free TV
- MTRK (Uzbekistan National TV): expected free-to-air coverage of selected matches, including Uzbekistan games, based on regional listings.
- Zo’r TV: parts of the coverage may appear free via terrestrial or basic cable, especially Uzbekistan group games; rights deals describe it as the main national carrier.
Pricing: Free-to-air channels stay free, though you still pay your usual antenna or basic access costs where applicable.
Approximate pricing based on current Uzbek TV bundles:
- Entry sports packages: Often in the 40,000–80,000 UZS per month range for multi-channel offerings.
- Premium HD bundles: Can rise to 100,000–150,000 UZS per month depending on operator and equipment.
Exact 2026 World Cup package prices are not fully confirmed yet; latest available information suggests operators will announce special bundles closer to the tournament.
Streaming Platforms
- Official apps of Zo’r TV: Likely to stream channels live to mobile and smart TV.
- FIFA+: Free digital platform for highlights, replays, and extra content worldwide, with some live games in selected markets.
You should expect:
- Basic access within main operator apps included in your TV subscription.
- Data costs from your mobile or home internet provider on top of any subscription fees.
For accurate, last-minute pricing and package details, always check Zo’r TV, MTRK listings, and your preferred operator’s website or app directly, as well as the FIFA official site.
Quick Comparison of Viewing Options in Uzbekistan
| Type | Platform | Likely Cost (approx) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free TV | MTRK | Free, standard antenna. | Casual fans, home viewing. |
| Free / Hybrid | Zo’r TV (FTA feed) | Free or basic cable fee. | Uzbekistan matches, national coverage. |
| Pay TV | Zo’r TV packages, Sport TV Uzbekistan | Around 40,000–150,000 UZS/month depending on bundle. | Hardcore fans wanting more live games and HD. |
| Streaming | Operator apps, FIFA+ (highlights) | Included with TV or free; data charges apply. | Mobile viewing, on-the-go replays. |
FAQs
Will Uzbekistan play at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Yes, Uzbekistan qualified and will make its first-ever World Cup finals appearance in 2026.
Which group is Uzbekistan in at World Cup 2026?
Uzbekistan plays in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia and DR Congo.
When is Uzbekistan’s first match at World Cup 2026?
Uzbekistan faces Colombia on 18 June 2026 at 07:00 AM UZT in Mexico City.
Who are Uzbekistan’s other group opponents?
After Colombia, Uzbekistan meets Portugal in Houston and DR Congo in Atlanta.
Where can you watch Uzbekistan’s World Cup games on TV?
Latest available information suggests Zo’r TV and MTRK will carry Uzbekistan’s matches in the country.
Does Uzbekistan have star players to follow?
Yes, defenders like Abdukodir Khusanov, plus midfielders Oston Urunov and Azizjon Ganiev, lead the team’s new generation.
What is Uzbekistan’s best World Cup finish so far?
World Cup 2026 marks Uzbekistan’s debut, so every win or point sets a new national record.
Can Uzbekistan realistically reach the knockout stage?
If they beat DR Congo and take points off Colombia, a top‑two or best third‑place finish becomes possible.
Where can you find official fixtures and changes?
Always cross-check with the FIFA official site, ESPN, and outlets such as Goal or local broadcasters for updated schedules.
Will there be online streaming for Uzbekistan fans?
Yes, broadcaster apps and FIFA+ should offer live channels or highlights, depending on rights in Uzbekistan.
