Eldor Shomurodov, the captain of the Uzbekistan national team, made an ambitious statement ahead of the 2026 World Cup, noting the significant increase in support from fans across Central Asia. In an exclusive interview with FIFA, he emphasized that successes in domestic football help Uzbek players secure positions in leading European clubs.
The Uzbekistan national team is preparing for serious challenges in Group C, where they will face global giants such as Portugal and Colombia. Despite the high reputation of their opponents, the team clearly understands their task: to advance to the tournament's knockout stage.
“Our main goal is to uphold the honor of our country and demonstrate that Uzbekistan is a strong team. Our successes inspire not only Uzbek fans but also football lovers across Central Asia. If we perform at the highest level, Uzbek football will gain a new army of fans on the international stage,” said Shomurodov.
The 26-year-old forward, who has become a key player for Istanbul's Başakşehir, scoring 12 goals in 17 matches, symbolizes a new era in Uzbek football. Alongside talented players like Abduqodir Xusanov and Abbas Faizullaev, he aims to show that their region is ready for serious competition on the world football stage.
FIFA notes that the current Uzbekistan national team is capable of posing a serious challenge to teams featuring stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodríguez. Shomurodov's leadership qualities and experience will play a crucial role in the success of the "White Wolves" on the fields of North America this summer.
