Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, sent congratulations to the national football team on their qualification for the final stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, noting that this victory is truly historic.

“In a fierce competition against the strongest teams in Asia, you demonstrated true character, unbreakable will, and professionalism. For the first time in the history of independent Uzbekistan, you have secured a place at the World Cup. I wholeheartedly congratulate you on this truly great achievement,” the head of state said in his message.

The President emphasized that this accomplishment will be recorded in the annals of national sports as one of the brightest achievements, embodying the dream of millions of Uzbeks who are sincerely devoted to football.

“Thanks to your hard work, talent, professionalism, and most importantly, unwavering belief in success, you have achieved what our entire nation has dreamed of for many years,” he noted.

The head of state called the team’s success evidence of the high potential of the young generation of the New Uzbekistan and the result of consistent state support for sports, especially football, the country’s most popular and widely practiced sport.

“Your qualification for such a prestigious tournament is not only a sporting achievement but also clear proof of the attention paid to the development of physical culture and sports in our country,” the President added.

He expressed confidence that this victory will become a powerful source of inspiration for thousands of young people and contribute to further strengthening Uzbekistan’s international image.

“I am convinced that, feeling the strength of the people’s support, understanding the responsibility and honor of representing not only Uzbekistan but the entire Central Asian region at the World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, you will perform with dignity and even greater dedication,” Mirziyoyev stressed.

The President also expressed deep gratitude to the coaching staff, the families, and loved ones of the players, who believed in, supported, and prayed for the team’s success at every stage of their journey.

“Congratulations to everyone on this historic, unforgettable triumph — a true gift to our people during the blessed days of Kurban Hayit. Continue moving forward on the path of victories, my dear children!” concluded the head of state.

The Uzbekistan national team secured their place in the World Cup by drawing 0-0 in an away match against the UAE team in the third round of qualifiers. The match took place on 5 June at the Al-Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Timur Kapadze’s squad needed just one point to guarantee second place in Group A, thereby clinching their historic World Cup berth.

Uzbekistan became the first team from Central Asia ever to qualify for the World Cup final tournament.

Head coach Timur Kapadze also made history by becoming the first specialist to lead the country’s Olympic team to the Games and the national team to the World Cup.

After nine rounds, Uzbekistan sits second in their group with 18 points. Leading the group is Iran with 20 points and one game in hand. They are followed by the UAE (14), Qatar (10), Kyrgyzstan (6), and North Korea (2). Uzbekistan will play their final qualifying match on 10 June in Tashkent against Qatar.