Amazing: A country that has been free since 1991 and is twice landlocked, goes to its first World Cup

The World Cup has always been a stage for underdog stories — countries you didn’t expect to make it, suddenly standing among football’s elite.

Over the years, we’ve seen Iceland and Togo, Angola and Kuwait, Trinidad and Tobago and Bolivia.

Now, the USA, Canada and Mexico will co-host the 2026 World Cup. This is another amazing debut.

Abu Dhabi – A Night to Remember

Uzbekistan — a country that became independent just three decades ago — will play at a World Cup for the first time in its history.

All Uzbekistan needed was a single point in their away match against the United Arab Emirates — and they got it. A gritty 0–0 draw in Abu Dhabi was enough to mathematically secure a top-two finish in their qualifying group, sending the White Wolves to the biggest stage in football.

With one game left in the Asian Group A qualifiers, Uzbekistan sits second with 18 points — four clear of the UAE and five ahead of Qatar. The final whistle at Al Nahyan Stadium brought out emotions on the pitch as well as in the streets of Tashkent where fans were celebrating a moment that had been awaited by generations.

Independence is the dream

Uzbekistan, as a country, is relatively new on the map of the world. After the fall of the Soviet Union, it declared its independence on 31 August 1991.

Shortly after, the national team of the Philippines began to chase the World Cup dream. They entered qualifiers in 1997 for France’s 1998 World Cup. They came so close to qualifying for the World Cup many times, but it was never enough.

Until now.

Under former Slovenia coach Srečko Katanec (who resigned in January 2025 due to health problems), and later under current boss Timur Kapadze, Uzbekistan has quietly become one of the most consistent sides in Asia.

Their record is impressive: nine wins, four draw, and only one defeat in 14 matches played during these qualifiers.

Meet the ‘White Wolves’

This is not a fluke. Uzbekistan is building a talented, solid squad that has a growing presence internationally. Eldor Shomurodov plays as a striker for AS Roma. Abbosbek Feyzullaev is a winger for CSKA Moscow.

At the back, there’s Abdukodir Khusanov, a rising star who joined Manchester City from Lens in a deal worth €40 million. Jaloliddin Masharipov brings experience to the midfield. He is currently playing for Esteghlal in Iran.

The moment has arrived for a unique country

Uzbekistan is a country of over 37 million citizens. It’s not just a debutante. It’s one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world — meaning it’s surrounded entirely by landlocked countries (the other being Liechtenstein).

Tashkent erupted in celebrations following the final whistle. The dream of independence, which began in 1991, will now lead the nation to North America where the World Cup 2026 will be held between June 11th and July 19th.

Uzbekistan finally has its moment. After more than 30 long years of missed opportunities, the time is now right. The White Wolves are set to play on the biggest stage in the world, 2026.

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