Asosiy faktlar
- Uzbekistan debut: 17 June 2026 vs Colombia in Mexico City
- Group K: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia
- Manager: Fabio Cannavaro (2006 World Cup winner)
- Captain: Eldor Shomurodov (44 goals in 90 caps)
- First Central Asian team at a World Cup
Uzbekistan will make their World Cup debut on 17 June 2026 when they face Colombia at Mexico City Stadium. It is the first time a Central Asian nation has appeared at a FIFA World Cup. Here is everything you need to know about Group K, the schedule, and how to bet on Uzbekistan's historic campaign.
Group K Confirmed
The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw in Washington D.C. on 5 December 2025 placed Uzbekistan in Group K alongside:
1. Portugal (FIFA ranking: 9th, six previous World Cups, best result: third place 1966) 2. DR Congo (FIFA ranking: 56th, qualified via Intercontinental Playoff, returning after 52 years) 3. Uzbekistan (FIFA ranking: 50th, first ever World Cup appearance) 4. Colombia (FIFA ranking: 13th, seven previous World Cups, best result: quarter-finals 2014)
Match Schedule
Match 1: 17 June 2026, O'zbekiston – Kolumbiya, Mexico City Stadium, 10:00 PM ET Match 2: 23 June 2026, Uzbekistan vs Portugal, NRG Stadium Houston, 1:00 PM ET Match 3: 27 June 2026, Uzbekistan vs DR Congo/Intercontinental Playoff 1 Winner, venue TBC
With the expanded 48-team format, the top two from each group advance automatically, and the eight best third-placed teams also qualify for the knockout round.
How Uzbekistan Got Here
Uzbekistan qualified on 5 June 2025 with a goalless draw against the UAE in Abu Dhabi. They finished second in Asian qualifying Group A behind Iran, losing just once in ten third-round matches. Captain Eldor Shomurodov led the attack with critical goals, while goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov was the foundation of a defence that conceded only seven goals.
In October 2025, Fabio Cannavaro, the 2006 World Cup-winning captain, was appointed manager. Under Cannavaro, Uzbekistan won the FIFA Series 2026 tournament in Tashkent in March, beating Gabon 3-1 (Shomurodov scoring) and Venezuela on penalties in the final.
Tikish Bozorlari
Early Group K betting markets offer: - Portugal as strong favourites to win the group at around 1.50 (1/2) - Colombia second favourites at approximately 2.50 - Uzbekistan to qualify from the group at around 4.00 (3/1) - DR Congo as outsiders
The 48-team format works in Uzbekistan's favour. Finishing third can still be enough to advance if results go well. Under Cannavaro's defensive setup, Uzbekistan are unlikely to be blown away, and a tight 0-0 or 1-0 loss to Portugal followed by competitive results against Colombia and DR Congo could see them through.
Kuzatish Uchun Asosiy O'yinchilar
Eldor Shomurodov (Istanbul Basaksehir, on loan from Roma): Captain, all-time top scorer with 44 goals, the attacking focal point Abdukodir Xusanov (Lens): Young centre-back who has attracted attention from top European clubs Jaloliddin Masharipov: Creative midfielder, key playmaker and set-piece specialist Utkir Yusupov: Goalkeeper, hero of the qualification campaign with multiple penalty saves
Where to Bet
For Uzbek bettors, the top options for World Cup betting are:
1xBet offers the widest range of World Cup markets with a dedicated Uzbek-language site, UzCard/Humo depozitlari, and live betting on every match. Use code NEWBONUS for the maximum welcome bonus.
Melbet provides competitive odds on outright and match markets with Uzbek language support and local to'lov usullari. Use code NEWBONUS.
Linebet rounds out the top three with strong mobile app performance and full tournament coverage. Use code NEWBONUS.
All three operators accept deposits in Uzbek som via UzCard, Humo, Payme, and Click, as well as cryptocurrency for those who prefer it.
Bu Nima Uchun Muhim
O'zbekistondagi tartibga solish o'zgarishlari qaysi operatorlar mavjudligiga, depozitlar va pul yechishlar qanday ishlashiga va qanday iste'molchi himoyalari mavjudligiga to'g'ridan-to'g'ri ta'sir qiladi. Xabardor bo'lish xavfsizroq tikish qarorlar qabul qilishga yordam beradi.