Uzbekistan brings growing investment and emerging talent to the 2026 World Cup. With domestic league improvements, they aim to compete at the global stage.
Experience in Goal
Igors Scherbatenko provides experienced goalkeeping, while the defense features athleticism. Competitive depth defines the back line.
Midfield Development
Uzbekistan’s midfield is developing with young talent and pressing intensity. Technical quality improves through youth development investment.
Attack: Limited International Experience
Uzbek forwards bring movement and direct play. The attacking line seeks efficiency through counter-attacking opportunities.
Projected 26-Man Squad
Goalkeepers (3): Igors Scherbatenko, Antoniy Samsonov, Aleksandr Subbotin
Defenders (8): Oleg Ostroushko, Ulugbek Dusmatov, Yuriy Maksymiv, Temur Sariev, Rustam Usmanov, Aziz Khakimov, Serzh Ovsepyan, Yuri Shcherbatenko
Midfielders (8): Jaloliddin Masharipov, Sergei Fokin, Mikhail Fedorovich, Oleg Ostroushko, Ulugbek Dusmatov, Rustam Usmanov, Aziz Khakimov, Mikhail Fedorovich
Forwards (7): Jaloliddin Masharipov, Sergei Fokin, Oleg Ostroushko, Mikhail Fedorovich, Aziz Khakimov, Sergei Fedorovich, Aleksandr Kolisnik
Note: Squad projection subject to form and availability. Official squad announced May 2026.
Verdict: Uzbekistan’s Chances
Uzbekistan will struggle to qualify from their group. Limited international club experience and domestic league constraints disadvantage them against elite opposition.
Full coverage at the World Cup 2026 hub and the Uzbekistan national team profile.