Uzbekistan Prepares for Historic World Cup Debut Against Colombia

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is ready to kick off for Uzbekistan, who are poised to make their historic debut on the global stage. The Central Asian nation will begin their campaign in Mexico City on Wednesday, facing Group K opponents Colombia in what promises to be a challenging opener for the newcomers.

Under the guidance of former world champion Fabio Cannavaro, the 'White Wolves' are expected to adopt a tactical approach focused on solidity. Reports suggest Cannavaro will likely deploy a 3-4-2-1 formation, which could also be interpreted as a more defensive 5-4-1, emphasizing a strong backline against their formidable rivals. Key to this defensive setup is 21-year-old rising star Abdukodir Khusanov, who has garnered attention for his performances with Manchester City. He is anticipated to play a crucial role in the heart of the defense, alongside Sherzod Nasrullaev, who is expected to anchor the left flank.

Leading the charge in attack will be captain Eldor Shomurodov, the country's all-time leading scorer with an impressive 44 goals, five of which came during the qualifying rounds. He is set to link up with Abbosbek Fayzullaev, a speedy winger who also contributed significantly with four goals in qualifying. Both players are teammates at Turkish club Istanbul Basaksehir, suggesting a familiar understanding on the field. However, the squad faces some injury concerns, with 74-cap forward Jaloliddin Masharipov reportedly struggling with a back injury that kept him out of pre-tournament friendlies, potentially delaying his World Cup debut. Additionally, Khojiakbar Alijonov is dealing with a calf issue, which could see veteran full-back Farrukh Safiyev step in on the right wing.