Abdukodir Khusanov (left) is among the few overseas players called up to strengthen Uzbekistan’s national team for the 2026 World Cup.

Uzbekistan’s national football team has become the 48th and final participant to announce its official squad for the 2026 World Cup.

The tournament debutants released their final list of 26 players on the last day of registration with FIFA, Tuesday (2 June 2026).

Uzbekistan completed their registration process after other last-minute teams — Ghana, Jordan, and Turkey — also finalised their squads on the same day.

Interestingly, the team coached by Italian legend Fabio Cannavaro was also the first to publish its preliminary squad list for the 2026 World Cup selection process.

On 5 May, the White Wolves unveiled a provisional list featuring 40 players, which was gradually reduced through several selection phases.

From 40 names, the list was trimmed down to 39, then 30, before finally reaching the 26-man final squad nearly a month later.

Cannavaro opted for a group dominated by domestic players — 15 out of 26, which accounts for 58 percent of the total squad.

This means 11 players currently play abroad in the final White Wolves squad. The most notable among them is defender Abdukodir Khusanov.

The Manchester City defender is the only player in Uzbekistan’s national team who plays in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

Another key name is team captain Eldor Shomurodov, who was permanently transferred from AS Roma to Turkish club Istanbul Basaksehir on 22 April.

The all-time top scorer of Uzbekistan officially became a permanent member of Istanbul Basaksehir after fulfilling his clause to remain in the Turkish Super League.

The country’s top footballers are now preparing to make their World Cup debut in Group K.

Cannavaro’s men are drawn into a tough group alongside Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, Colombia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Uzbekistan secured their maiden World Cup qualification by finishing as runners-up in their group during the third round of the AFC Qualifiers.

The White Wolves finished below Iran (Group A) in the qualifiers, which also featured Indonesia in Group C.

After sealing their ticket to North America, Uzbekistan made a managerial change.

Fabio Cannavaro was appointed by the federation to replace Timur Kapadze in October 2025 — the coach who had guided them to World Cup qualification.

Since being led by the Ballon d’Or winner and Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning captain, Uzbekistan have experienced mixed results across seven matches.

The White Wolves faced Kuwait (2-0), Uruguay (1-2), Egypt (2-0), Iran (0-0, 4-3 on penalties), Gabon (3-1), Venezuela (0-0, 5-4 on penalties), and Canada (0-2).

Uzbekistan still have one final warm-up match before the World Cup begins.

Their last friendly fixture will be a major test as they face tournament favourites the Netherlands in New York on Monday (8 June 2026).

Uzbekistan Squad List

Goalkeepers: Utkir Yusupov (Navbahor), Abduvohid Nematov (Nasaf), Botirali Ergashev (Neftchi).

Defenders: Rustam Ashurmatov (Esteghlal), Farrukh Sayfiev (Neftchi), Khojiakbar Alijonov (Pakhtakor), Sherzod Nasrullaev (Nasaf), Umar Eshmurodov (Nasaf), Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City), Abdulla Abdullaev (Dibba), Bekhruz Karimov (Surkhon), Jakhongir Urozov (Dinamo Samarqand), Avazbek Ulmasaliev (AGMK).

Midfielders: Otabek Shukurov (Baniyas), Jaloliddin Masharipov (Esteghlal), Odiljon Hamrobekov (Tractor), Oston Urunov (Persepolis), Jamshid Iskanderov (Neftchi), Dostonbek Khamdamov (Pakhtakor), Abbosbek Fayzullaev (Istanbul Basaksehir), Akmal Mozgovoy (Pakhtakor), Azizjon Ganiev (Al Bataeh), Sherzod Esanov (Bukhara).

Forwards: Eldor Shomurodov (Istanbul Basaksehir), Igor Sergeev (Persepolis), Azizbek Amonov (Bukhara).