It’s official—Uzbekistan has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first Central Asian nation to ever reach the tournament.
A goalless draw against the United Arab Emirates was enough to seal their spot in the expanded 48-team competition, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
To celebrate this historic achievement, the entire team—including players and coaches (40 people in total)—received brand-new BYD cars, a popular Chinese electric vehicle, upon their return to Tashkent.
In addition, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree conferring national medals and honorary titles on all team members in recognition of their contribution to Uzbek football.
Uzbekistan now joins Australia, Japan, South Korea, Iran, and Jordan as the six Asian teams already qualified for the 2026 World Cup.
The celebrations in Tashkent were marked by official ceremonies, public cheers, and a symbolic presentation of cars to players and coaches, with the President himself in attendance.
