will be one of the main attractions when in their second Group K fixture at the . In the Central Asian country, the Portugal legend is a long-time idol for generations of football fans. In Uzbekistan’s bazaars – among the major hubs of daily life in the country, alongside its madrasas – shirts bearing the names of Ronaldo and are everywhere.
But new names are now also starting to appear, from and to homegrown talents such as Abdukodir Khusanov and Abbosbek Fayzullaev. For now, though, Ronaldo and Messi still reign supreme.
Nuraddin Boltaboev, a 22-year-old from Khiva who runs a tourist apartment, told FIFA that the Portuguese forward had always been his idol.
“He’s a huge source of inspiration,” said Boltaboev. “Every child, every young person, wants to be like him.” At previous editions of the FIFA World Cup, he would always support Portugal because of Ronaldo. “But this year I can support my own country,” he said, beaming with pride. “Being at the World Cup for the first time is a monumental milestone. It was so hard to imagine; we had waited and dreamt about this for so long.”
are one of four debutants at this year’s tournament, along with Cabo Verde, Curaçao and Jordan. Coached by 2006 FIFA World Cup™ winner with Italy and 2006 Ballon d’Or recipient Fabio Cannavaro, Uzbekistan in their opening bout in North America. Portugal are up next, before the White Wolves conclude their group-stage campaign against Congo DR.
“We knew these were going to be very difficult matches, but the important thing is that we’re here, experiencing the spirit of the World Cup. I hope this is the first of many,” said Sanjar Azizov, who was born in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, in 1987. Azizov, who works for a Central Asian travel agency, was at the iconic Mexico City Stadium to watch Uzbekistan’s defeat to Colombia unfold from the stands.
“It’s a feeling you can’t put into words,” he said. “The happiness and pride we all felt brought people to tears. This was our dream for so long, but now it’s reality – a dream come true.” Azizov used to support Brazil or Spain on football’s ultimate stage. He admits that he “never, ever” thought he would see his nation feature at the global showpiece.
The only bittersweet note is that his father, who passed away three years ago, was not there to share such a unique and unexpected moment of joy. He also believes that the White Wolves’ achievement has helped put Uzbekistan, a country that is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination, on the map. “We’re experiencing a tourism boom,” he said. “The country is full of people from all over the world.” Azizov explained that football is now “the number one sport in the country, alongside boxing”.
Uzbek football is on an upward curve, with growing domestic interest matched by stronger results and greater international recognition. In 2023, Uzbekistan knocked out England in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 World Cup™, while the Under-20 side were crowned Asian champions on home soil in that same year. In 2024, the country made its bow at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament in Paris; last year, the senior national team won the CAFA Nations Cup, defeating IR Iran in the final. Next year, Uzbekistan will co-host the FIFA U-20 World Cup™ together with Azerbaijan.
Shokhrukh Tojiev, another young man from the capital, said he previously supported Germany and England at FIFA’s flagship men’s event. “Being at the World Cup is very special,” said the Tashkent native. “It’s a great experience, an opportunity to pit ourselves against the best players in the world. The team was criticised for years for not qualifying for the World Cup and for not developing good players. Now we have a great defender, good midfielders and a good striker. It’s incredible – these players are shining a spotlight on Uzbekistan.”
Football supporters in Uzbekistan may still be divided in the all-time great debate between Messi and Ronaldo, but a new generation is emerging in shirts bearing the names of homegrown heroes such as Manchester City defender Khusanov, Istanbul Basaksehir winger Fayzullaev and their team-mates. The heroes they once looked for abroad are now emerging at home. “Young people are showing more and more interest in football, and new pitches and academies are cropping up all over the country,” Azizov explained. “Everyone wants their son to be like Khusanov.”
Sources: FIFA Official
