In a historic triumph, Uzbekistan’s national football team secured their first-ever qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, celebrated with a resounding 3–0 victory over Qatar in the Asian qualifiers’ final match on June 10, 2025.
The landmark achievement was marked by an extraordinary gesture, as all players and coaching staff were gifted 40 BYD cars, driven onto the pitch at Tashkent’s stadium, with ignition keys presented in a jubilant post-match ceremony.
The match, hosted in the capital, saw Uzbekistan dominate Qatar with goals from Azizbek Turgunboev, Eldor Shomurodov, and Igor Sergeev. Turgunboev, a winger for Turkish club Sivasspor, opened the scoring in the 28th minute.
AS Roma’s forward Shomurodov doubled the lead in the 86th minute, followed by a stoppage-time goal from Pakhtakor’s Sergeev, who previously played for Kazakhstan’s Aktobe and Tobol. The victory capped a stellar campaign under coach Timur Kapadze, who took over from Slovenian Srečko Katanec.
Uzbekistan clinched their World Cup berth with a draw against the UAE in the penultimate round, finishing second in their group behind Iran, who also qualified. The UAE and Qatar will battle for a remaining spot in the next qualification phase.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev honored the team’s success by signing a decree awarding medals, decorations, and honorary titles to players and coaches, recognizing their role in elevating Uzbekistan’s global football stature.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, will feature an expanded field of 48 teams from six confederations.
Uzbekistan’s qualification marks a proud moment for the nation, with the car gifts symbolizing national gratitude for their historic feat.