Uzbekistan news

Can any of the four World Cup debutants cause a shock in '26?

Four nations will debut at the World Cup this summer, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan all set to grace the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It's 16 years since a newcomer made it into the knockout stages of the tournament, when Slovakia stunned holders Italy to eliminate them in South Africa. So do any of this year's debutants have the potential to replicate such heroics?

How have debutant teams performed at the FIFA World Cup?

Four nations will make debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan set to grace the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It will be the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and all will have ambitions of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages.

Why 2026 is the best managerial line up in World Cup history

The 2026 World Cup is almost upon us. Over the course of the next week, the time for talking will stop, and teams will have to prove their credentials with their performances on the pitch in North America. All roads, whether through the United States, Mexico or Canada, will lead to New Jersey on July 19, and the biggest football match on the planet: the World Cup final.

World Cup 2026: The Ultimate Guide

Uzbekistan vs Colombia FIFA World Cup 2026 Preview

GOAL brings you everything you need to know about Uzbekistan vs Colombia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Uzbekistan v Venezuela - FIFA Series 2026

Uzbekistan coach Cannavaro speaks out on 'scandal' after USA security checks

Fabio Cannavaro has moved to shut down claims of mistreatment towards his Uzbekistan side after footage emerged of the squad being subjected to intense security screenings in the United States. The legendary Italian defender, currently leading the Asian nation into their first-ever World Cup, insisted that the use of sniffer dogs and tarmac searches was simply standard procedure.

📽️ | Shocked Cannavaro stopped by security in USA

Fabio Cannavaro was caught up in an unexpected security check after arriving in the United States with the Uzbekistan national team. Footage circulating online shows the former Ballon d'Or winner having his belongings searched as part of extensive screening procedures ahead of Uzbekistan's friendly against the Netherlands.

Cody Gakpo - Netherlands vs Uzbekistan 2026

Gakpo scores twice as Netherlands suffer injury scare

The Netherlands narrowly escaped a major setback in their final pre-World Cup friendly, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan in Manhattan. A late stoppage-time penalty from Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo spared the blushes for Ronald Koeman's side, though the hard-fought triumph was heavily overshadowed by significant squad injury concerns.

WC26 Power Rankings: Spain stay No.1 as Brazil & U.S. climb

There really is nothing like the World Cup. Even just qualifying generates a level of nationwide excitement that the club game simply cannot match, which is why we witnessed truly joyous scenes all across the globe as one country after another secured a spot at this summer's festival of football in North America. The final six participants were confirmed in March, with Sweden, Turkiye, Czechia and Bosnia & Herzegovina taking the four remaining slots in Europe, while Iraq and DR Congo came out of the inter-confederation play-offs.

Netherlands dealt huge World Cup blow as Timber ruled out with injury

Netherlands' World Cup preparations have been rocked by the news that Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has been forced to withdraw from the squad. Despite travelling to the United States with Ronald Koeman's side, the versatile defender has failed to overcome a persistent injury in time for the tournament opener.

Explained: Why ALL squad players must join World Cup pre-match anthems

FIFA has announced a significant protocol modification that will see every squad member take part in the pre-match national anthems at the upcoming World Cup. Moving away from traditional sporting custom, football's global governing body has mandated that both starting line-ups and substitutes congregate together on the pitch ahead of kick-off.

Injuries mount, attacking questions: Five keys for Canada friendlies

Canada face Uzbekistan and Republic of Ireland in their final pre-World Cup friendlies, with Jesse Marsch managing injury concerns after Marcelo Flores’ heartbreaking setback and searching for goals from Jonathan David and Cyle Larin.

Uzbekistan v Kyrgyz Republic - AFC Qualifiers Group A - FIFA World Cup 2026

Uzbekistan FIFA World Cup 2026 TV Schedule

Everything you need to know about how to watch Uzbekistan in the World Cup.

When are the final World Cup 2026 squads announced?

FIFA has confirmed the key dates and squad regulations for the 2026 World Cup. Nations must submit their final player lists by June 1, with strict rules in place regarding injuries, replacements and goalkeeper selections.

Where to watch Uzbekistan today?

Find out where to watch the game where you are. Scroll down for worldwide broadcasts!

World Cup trophy Christian Pulisic Edson Alvarez

World Cup 2026: Full list of qualified teams

GOAL breaks down all the confirmed qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, plus the teams who could soon be on their way.

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Deutschland vs Curacao Wett Tipp: WM-Debütant vor Herkulesaufgabe

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2026 World Cup group stage draw: Fixtures and broadcasters

Here is the official group-stage draw for the 2026 World Cup and the full match schedule.

2026 World Cup fixtures and broadcasters

Discover the 2026 World Cup dates, match schedule, group standings, results and every channel broadcasting the tournament.

IN FULL: World Cup 2026 group-stage draw

The World Cup 2026 draw has been made, with England set to face Croatia in the group stages, and the USMNT to take on Australia. Brazil have been drawn with Morocco, while France will play Senegal and Argentina must face Austria.

'What f*cking luck you have! - Gattuso takes cheeky dig at Cannavaro

Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso revealed the details of his phone call with former World Cup-winning team-mate Fabio Cannavaro, who was appointed as the new head coach of the Uzbekistan national team earlier this week. The former midfielder had a cheeky dig at the Ballon d'Or winner for taking over a side that has already qualified for the World Cup while the Azzurri are "stuck in the trenches" in the battle to secure a place.

Arsenal FC v GNK Dinamo - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7

Uzbekistan appoint World Cup winner Cannavaro

World Cup-winning captain and Ballon d’Or winner Fabio Cannavaro has taken charge of Uzbekistan, leading the Asian underdogs into uncharted territory ahead of their first-ever World Cup campaign in 2026. For a nation long on promise but short on global recognition, his arrival marks the beginning of an audacious new era built on ambition.

Cannavaro takes new international job ahead of 2026 World Cup

Former Italy defender Fabio Cannavaro is all set to take up a shock new international job ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Ballon d'Or winning ex-Juventus star was without a job since Dinamo Zagreb parted ways with him in April this year. However, Cannavaro is now set to return to football management to lead Uzbekistan in their maiden appearance at the 2026 World Cup.