Uzbekistan national football team

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This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Uzbekistan women's national football team.

Uzbekistan
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)White Wolves
Turanians
AssociationUzbekistan Football Association (UFA)
ConfederationAFC (Asia)
Sub-confederationCAFA (Central Asia)
Head coachSrečko Katanec
CaptainEldor Shomurodov
Most capsServer Djeparov (128)
Top scorerMaksim Shatskikh (34)
Home stadiumMilliy Stadium
Pakhtakor Stadium
FIFA codeUZB
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 84 Steady (23 December 2021)[1]
Highest45 (November 2006 – January 2007)
Lowest119 (November 1996)
First international
 Tajikistan 2–2 Uzbekistan 
(Dushanbe, Tajikistan; 17 June 1992)
Biggest win
 Uzbekistan 15–0 Mongolia 
(Chiang Mai, Thailand; 5 December 1998)
Biggest defeat
 Japan 8–1 Uzbekistan 
(Sidon, Lebanon; 17 October 2000)
Asian Cup
Appearances7 (first in 1996)
Best resultFourth place (2011)

The Uzbekistan national football team (Uzbek: Oʻzbekiston milliy futbol terma jamoasi, Ўзбекистон миллий футбол терма жамоаси) represents Uzbekistan in international football and is controlled by the Uzbekistan Football Association, the governing body for football in Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan holds the highest competitive results among teams from Central Asia. Although they have never qualified to the World Cup, the team has qualified to every AFC Asian Cup since post-independence formation. At the 2011 Asian Cup, Uzbekistan reached the semi-finals of the tournament for the first time. At other competitions such as the Asian Games, Uzbekistan won the gold medal in 1994 in Japan, while finishing as the runners-up at the Afro-Asian Cup of Nations in 1995.

History[]

The year of birth of football in Uzbekistan is 1912 (read more in this article), since it was then that football teams were created in Kokand, a little later in Ferghana, Andijan, Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Urganch, between which began to be held long-distance matches. The first championship of Ferghana valley was held in 1914, the Championship of the Uzbekistan SSR began to be played since 1926, and the drawing of the Uzbekistan SSR Cup began to be carried out since 1939. From 1924 to 1991 Uzbekistan was part of the Soviet Union (USSR) as the Uzbekistan Soviet Socialist Republic (UzSSR).

In 1928, the national team of Uzbekistan was created for the first time, which took part in the Spartakiade, which included representatives of some European countries. At this tournament, the national team of Uzbekistan Soviet Socialist Republic held its first international match against team of jobs Switzerland and won with a score of 8:4. Until mid-1991, Uzbekistan was part of the USSR and had its own national team as well as the rest of the Union republics, which mostly played matches within teams and teams of the USSR, in particular in football tournaments of the Spartakiad of Peoples of the USSR. The national team of the Uzbekistan SSR participated in all draws of the football tournament of the Spartakiad of Peoples of the USSR, and in the 1986 tournament reached the final, lost to the Ukrainian SSR (modern Ukraine) team with a score of 0–1, thereby winning the silver medal of the tournament. Throughout the history of Soviet Union, Uzbekistan SSR was one of five main center of football development in the country, alongside Russia SFSR, Ukraine SSR, Belarus SSR and Georgia SSR.

The most powerful football clubs, as well as semi-professional and professional clubs of the Uzbekistan SSR participated in the USSR Football League (Higher League, First League, Second League and Second League B) and USSR Cup. Nonprofessional clubs of the Uzbekistan SSR participated in the Uzbekistan SSR Championship and the Uzbekistan SSR Cup.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and Uzbekistan gained independence, the national team of Uzbekistan of the new convocation was organized. The national team held its first matches in 1992. The first game of the national team of Uzbekistan was a match against Tajikistan, in the framework of the Central Asian Cup 1992 (the tournament was held once) initiated by FIFA. These matches are officially registered by FIFA on the basis of the fact that the national team of Uzbekistan has been allowed since 1992 to participate in tournaments held under the auspices of FIFA. At the drawing of this tournament in the format of the league, the national team of Uzbekistan was the second after the national team of Kazakhstan. In the first year of existence, the national team of Uzbekistan held matches only with the teams of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. In 1993, the team has not played a single match.

In 1992, Uzbekistan was also a member of the CIS national football team, which existed for one year and replaced the USSR national football team and instead participated in the Euro 1992.

Most of the former Soviet republics became members of UEFA (Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan), and Uzbekistan also wanted to become a member of UEFA. But like the rest of the republics of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan), chose AFC. In 2002, Kazakhstan became a member of UEFA for better development of its football, but Uzbekistan chose to remain in the AFC. Anyway, there are many supporters of Uzbekistan's membership in UEFA. Since they believe that Uzbekistan shows European football, and Soviet Uzbekistan, which was part of the USSR, has long been a member of UEFA.

In 1994, the Uzbekistan Football Federation was officially adopted by the AFC and FIFA. In the same year Uzbekistan won in the international tournament the Cup of Independence of Uzbekistan, and at the end of the year the national team won in the ending the national team of China with the score 4:2, became the winner of football tournament of the Asian Games of 1994 which took place in the Japanese city of Hiroshima.

1994 Asian Games[]

1994 Asian Games Final starting lineup on 16 October 1994, in Hiroshima, (Japan).

The 1994 Asian Games tournament was considered as the shocking successful birth of Uzbekistan, and gives prelude for the rise of Uzbekistan as a serious Asian contender. The tournament would go on remembered as "Miracle of 1994".

Although the tournament was mostly for amateur players at the time (the under-23 competed only since 2002), Uzbekistan however was regarded very low. In addition, the Uzbek perpetration was rigorous, with only 17 players and a budget below $14.000 for the new born Football Federation. Conflict also emerged within as Rustam Akramov was appointed as the first coach of Uzbekistan while the more popular Berador Abduraimov became assistant, which Abduraimov resented greatly. Not just that, many of its players, mostly Russian-ethnic based players, chose to represent Russia or Ukraine, or some to Nigeria, following the fall of USSR. The two major clubs, Pakhtakor and Neftchi, formed majority of their players for Uzbek team, traveling to Japan with little expectation.

Nonetheless, Uzbekistan would mark the tournament with an outstanding performance. Grouped with powerhouse Saudi Arabia, two Southeast Asian sides Thailand and Malaysia, alongside Hong Kong, the Uzbeks shocked Hiroshima with a 4–1 victory over the Saudis. It was followed by 5–0 victory over Malaysia, hard-fought 1–0 win over Hong Kong before sealing its first place in a 5–4 thriller over Thailand. In quarter-finals, Uzbekistan taunted neighbor Turkmenistan 3–0 to advance to semi-finals where they faced South Korea. The Koreans sent up nine players that already participated in the 1994 FIFA World Cup and was expected to stemroll Uzbekistan easily, having beaten hosts Japan thanked for a controversial late penalty. Yet, Japanese fans held this grief, cheered Uzbekistan against South Korea and with Japanese support, Uzbekistan shocked South Korea with a 1–0 victory to advance to the final, its first ever final since becoming independence from the Soviet Union.

In their final game against China, Uzbekistan created its miracle, beating the rising Chinese 4–2 to capture its first, and only, Asian honor two years after its existence. This miraculous conquest gave Uzbekistan a new freshing image, and would boost Uzbekistan's position as a serious contender for future Asian competitions.[3]

1996 AFC Asian Cup[]

Uzbekistan overcame its rival and neighbor Tajikistan in an insane comeback. Having been beaten 0–4 away in Dushanbe, Uzbekistan looked like would miss its debut. Yet, Uzbekistan overturned the game at home, destroying Tajikistan 5–0 to win 5–4 on aggregate, thus gave Uzbekistan its first ever debut in the tournament.

In 1996 AFC Asian Cup, Uzbekistan was grouped with Japan, China and Syria. Unlike the Asian Games, the Asian Cup was regarded as tougher because it was for main team squad. Under these conditions, Uzbekistan, which only appeared in the 1994 Asian Games, was regarded very low.

Yet, in their opening game against China, Uzbekistan stunned all predictions. Despite rampant Chinese pressure, Uzbekistan held their nerves and overcame China with two shock late goals to give them a 2–0 win and its first ever points in the tournament. This shock victory of Uzbekistan, however, raised alarms for other opponents, Japan and Syria didn't tolerate Uzbekistan, and destroyed the Uzbeks in the two decisive matches. Because of it, Uzbekistan stood bottom in their group and failed to make it through the first round.

1998 FIFA World Cup qualification[]

Uzbekistan put a decent performance in the country's first-ever attempt to qualify for World Cup, at the 1998 World Cup qualifiers. Grouped with Yemen, Cambodia and Indonesia in the first stage, Uzbekistan proved to be too strong for the rest, with the team only failed to win once, an away draw to the Indonesians. Shortly after, the Uzbeks gallantly marched into the final stage, however, things would prove to be more difficult, with Uzbekistan did not have luck in facing with more powerful South Korea, Japan and the UAE. The only win for Uzbekistan came after the match against neighbor Kazakhstan. Little to know for many Uzbek supporters, this would begin to make the country as the choker of every major World Cup qualifications, with the team often fell short in their final quest.

2000 AFC Asian Cup[]

The 2000 AFC Asian Cup for Uzbekistan was a whitewashed moment, in a terrible way as it became Uzbekistan's worst ever performance in many major competition. Grouped again with Japan, Saudi Arabia and the new opponent Qatar, Uzbekistan was dumped in the bottom once more, with two devastating losses to Saudi Arabia and Japan, alongside its 1–1 draw to Qatar.

2004 AFC Asian Cup[]

Uzbekistan failed to make further impact on the continental stage until they reached the last eight of the 2004 Asian Cup, topping their group after winning all matches, where they were beaten by Bahrain after a penalty shoot-out.

2006 FIFA World Cup qualification[]

That performance was followed by an victory over Iraq in the second qualifying round for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, with goals from Maksim Shatskikh and Alexander Geynrikh sending them through to the last eight.

They were knocked out in the final stage of the Asian qualification to the 2006 World Cup after losing on the away goals rule to Bahrain. The result was subject to controversy as actually three games were played; the first, a 1–0 win for Uzbekistan, was wiped out after FIFA declared the result void after a mistake by Toshimitsu Yoshida, a Japanese referee.[4] The replay ended 1–1, and after the return finished 0–0, Uzbekistan were eliminated.

2007 AFC Asian Cup[]

In the 2007 Asian Cup, Uzbekistan was able to get past the group stage by beating Malaysia 5–0 and China PR 3–0. However, Uzbekistan was knocked out of the tournament in the quarter-finals by losing to Saudi Arabia 2–1.

2010 FIFA World Cup qualification[]

Supporters of the national team during an qualification match for the 2010 World Cup against Japan, at Pakhtakor Stadium, in Tashkent

After having three foreign coaches (German Hans-Jürgen Gede, Englishman Bob Houghton and Russian Valeri Nepomniachi) in three years, Uzbekistan turned to former Uzbekistan Olympic team coach Rauf Inileev. During qualification for the 2010 World Cup, Uzbekistan advanced to the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers after winning their first four matches, but finished last in Group A of the final round behind favorites Australia, Japan, Bahrain and Qatar, with four points from eight matches.

2011 AFC Asian Cup[]

Uzbekistan at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup.

Four years later, in the 2011 Asian Cup, Uzbekistan ended in fourth place, their best result in the tournament so far. After getting past the group stage and quarter-finals, the Uzbek team lost what it might have been their first Asian Cup final when Australia thrashed the team 0–6 in their semi-final game. Some days later, they were defeated again by South Korea in the third place playoff.[5]

2014 FIFA World Cup qualification[]

In qualification for the 2014 World Cup, Uzbekistan advanced to the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers after winning their group in the third round over perennial favorites Japan. Uzbekistan finished with 16 points (five wins and one draw), which was more than any other team in the third round, including an impressive 1–0 away win against Japan.

In the fourth round of the qualifiers, Uzbekistan finished third in Group A behind Iran and South Korea. Uzbekistan had the same number of points as South Korea (14 points), who had a better goal difference by one goal.

The two teams who finished third in the fourth round groups (Jordan and Uzbekistan) played each other in the fifth round to determine the AFC participant in the intercontinental play-off. The games took place on 6 and 10 September 2013. With the two teams still evenly matched at full-time in the second leg, Jordan eventually progressed to the intercontinental play-off after winning 9–8 on penalties.

2015 AFC Asian Cup[]

In the 2015 Asian Cup, Uzbekistan advanced to the quarter-finals after finishing as runners-up in the tough Group B, which was won by China, while Saudi Arabia and North Korea were eliminated. However, the team was knocked out of the tournament in the quarter-finals after losing 2–0 in extra time to South Korea.

2018 FIFA World Cup qualification[]

Uzbekistan continued their quest to head to the World Cup during 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification in Russia, but their campaign had been shattered with a humiliating 2–4 defeat to North Korea. However, the Uzbeks soon bounced back and won the last remaining matches to top the group and qualified to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup as well as the last round. Once again, Uzbekistan in the last round, missed an opportunity when they finished fourth, behind Iran, South Korea and Syria, when Uzbekistan could only manage a 0–0 draw to the South Koreans last match.[6]

2019 AFC Asian Cup[]

Uzbekistan at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

Uzbekistan started their 2019 Asian Cup campaign with a 2–1 victory over Oman and continued with a 4–0 win over neighbor Turkmenistan, which guaranteed Uzbekistan to progress from the group stage for the fifth consecutive time, despite ending with a 1–2 defeat to Japan in the last match. However, they had to face Australia, then-champions of Asia. Despite playing well, Uzbekistan could not break the deadlock as it ended 0–0 after 120 minutes. In the penalty shootout, Australia prevailed with a 4–2 win, thus Uzbekistan's dream was crushed in the round of sixteen.

Team image[]

Nicknames[]

Uzbekistan vs. Bahrain at Pakhtakor Central Stadium in 2009.

The Uzbekistan national team has received several nicknames by supporters and media. The most common one used is "The White Wolves" (Uzbek Oq boʻrilar / Оқ бўрилар; Russian Белые волки / Beliye volki).[7][8][9][10] The wolf is a revered animal of the Turkic peoples. The main part of the population of Uzbekistan belongs to the Turkic peoples. Also in the country live Iranian peoples, Russian and others. White color refers to the basic form of the Uzbekistan national team.

Also, the Uzbekistan national football team is called "Asian Italy"[11] (Uzbek Osiyo Italiyasi / Осиё Италияси; Russian Азиатская Италия / Aziatskaya Italiya). This is due to the similarity of colors (white and blue) clothing teams of Italy and Uzbekistan, as well as similar tactics (defensive football) of these teams.[12] The Uzbekistan Super League is often considered to be similar to Italian Serie A. Also, the history of Uzbekistan is as rich and ancient as the history of Italy.[13]

Also the team of Uzbekistan is called "Huma birds" (Uzbek Humo qushlari / Ҳумо қушлари; Russian Птицы Хума / Ptitsi Khuma). The mythical Huma bird is the national bird of Uzbekistan, and is depicted on the state emblem of Uzbekistan. The Huma bird is depicted on the emblem of the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Sometimes the Uzbekistan national football is called "Turanians"[14] (Uzbek Turonliklar / Туронликлар; Russian Туранцы / Turantsi), because the current country of Uzbekistan is located in the center of this ancient region Turan, and all the ancient and major cities of this region are located in this country, and therefore Uzbekistan is considered by some to be the successor of the Turan.[15][16]

Rivalries[]

Uzbekistani fans at the 2019 Asian Cup in UAE

The main rivals of the Uzbekistan national team are the countries of Central Asia, the national teams of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan. However, the main and most important rivals of the national team of Uzbekistan are Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. The matches between the countries of Central Asia have always aroused great interest among fans throughout the region, in spite of Uzbekistan's dominance since the fall of the USSR. Football is one of the instruments of rivalry between the states of Central Asia, dating back to the Soviet era.

Also in recent years, Uzbekistan has been competing with the Iran ("Rivalry between Iran and Turan" in Shahnameh), China, South Korea and Saudi Arabia national football teams. The Uzbekistan national football team also has rivalry with other countries of the former USSR, for example with Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.

The Uzbekistan national team has a lot of fans, not only in Uzbekistan itself, but also in other countries of Central Asia and in other countries of the former Soviet Union (Post-Soviet states). For example, Russian, Ukrainian and Belarusian fans always support the Uzbekistan national team in Asian Cups and in other tournaments.[17] There are also a lot of fans of the national team of Uzbekistan in Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Turkey and in Afghanistan.

Kit sponsorship[]

Supplier Period[18][19]
Germany Adidas 1992–1997
United Kingdom Admiral 1998
Thailand Grand Sport 1999
Germany Adidas 2000
Denmark Hummel 2001–2002
United Kingdom Umbro 2003
Germany Puma 2004–2012
Spain Joma 2013–2018
Germany Adidas 2018
Germany Jako 2019–present

Home stadium[]

Milliy Stadium
Pakhtakor Central Stadium

From the moment of its formation (1992) until the end of 2012, the main home stadium of the Uzbekistan national football team was the Pakhtakor Central Stadium in Tashkent, built and opened in 1956. This stadium is also the venue for home matches of Pakhtakor Football Club. During the USSR, this stadium was home for the Uzbekistan SSR national team. Was reconstructed in 1996, 2008 and 2012 and currently holds 35,000 spectators (before this capacity was 55,000 spectators). For today's time the national team of Uzbekistan holds only some of the matches at Pakhtakor Stadium.

From 2013 to the present, the main home stadium of the Uzbekistan national team is the Milliy Stadium (until 2018 was named Bunyodkor Stadium), built in 2008–2012 and accommodating 34,000 spectators. This stadium is also a home for the Bunyodkor Football Club.

Home venues record[]

Last updated: 29 March 2021. Statistics include official FIFA-recognised matches only.

Recent results and forthcoming fixtures[]

Main article: Uzbekistan national football team results (2020–present)

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Loss

2021[]

15 February 2021 Friendly Uzbekistan  2–0  Jordan Dubai, United Arab Emirates
18:00 UTC+4
  • Gafurov Goal 69'
  • Abdukholiqov Goal 81'
 Report Stadium:
26 March 2021 Unofficial Friendly Uzbekistan  2–1  Ghana Namangan, Uzbekistan
18:00 UTC+5
Report
  • Abdul Fatawu Goal 73'
 Stadium: Markaziy Stadium
Referee: Dayirbek Abdildaev (Kyrgyzstan)
29 March 2021 Friendly Uzbekistan  0–1  Iraq Tashkent, Uzbekistan
18:00 UTC+5 Report
  • Karim Goal 56'
 Stadium: Milliy Stadium
Referee: Nurzat Askat Uulu (Kyrgyzstan)
30 May 2021 (2021-05-30) Unofficial Friendly Thailand  1–4  Uzbekistan Dubai, United Arab Emirates
--:-- UTC+4
Report
Stadium: The Sevens Stadium
7 June 2021 2022 WCQ - AFC 2nd Round Uzbekistan  5–0  Singapore Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
21:00 UTC+3
Report (FIFA)
Report (AFC)		 Stadium: King Fahd International Stadium
Referee: Ali Abdulnabi (Bahrain)
11 June 2021 2022 WCQ - AFC 2nd Round Yemen  0–1  Uzbekistan Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
21:00 UTC+3 Report (FIFA)
Report (AFC)
  • Masharipov Goal 19' (pen.)
 Stadium: King Fahd International Stadium
Referee: Mohammed Abdulla Hassan Mohamed (United Arab Emirates)
15 June 2021 2022 WCQ - AFC 2nd Round Saudi Arabia  3–0  Uzbekistan Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
21:00 UTC+3
Report (FIFA)
Report (AFC)		 Stadium: King Saud University Stadium
Referee: Ko Hyung-jin (South Korea)
5 September 2021 Friendly Sweden  2–1  Uzbekistan Solna, Sweden
15:00 UTC+2
  • Goal 6' (o.g.)
  • Kiese Thelin Goal 35'
 Report
Stadium: Friends Arena
Attendance: 12,974
Referee: Kai Erik Steen (Norway)
9 October 2021 Friendly Uzbekistan  5–1  Malaysia Jordan, Amman
18:00 UTC+2
Report
  • Bakhtiar Goal 45+1'
 Stadium: Amman International Stadium
12 October 2021 Friendly Jordan  3–0  Uzbekistan Jordan, Amman
20:00 UTC+2
Report Stadium: Amman International Stadium
15 November 2021 Friendly Georgia  1–0  Uzbekistan Gori, Georgia
18:00 UTC+4
Report Stadium: Tengiz Burjanadze Stadium
Referee: Vitaliy Romanov (Ukraine)

2022[]

21 January 2022 Friendly Japan  v  Uzbekistan Saitama, Japan
TBD Report Stadium: Saitama Stadium 2002
24 January 2022 Friendly Uzbekistan  v  Finland Ōmiya-ku, Saitama, Japan
TBD Stadium: NACK5 Stadium Omiya
1 February 2022 Friendly New Zealand  v  Uzbekistan TBD, United Arab Emirates
TBD Stadium: TBD

Coaching staff[]

As of 15 November 2021
Position Name
Head coach Slovenia Srečko Katanec
Assistant coach Slovenia Aleš Čeh
Slovenia
Fitness coach Argentina
Goalkeeper coach Bosnia and Herzegovina Nihad Pejković
Physiotherapist Slovenia
Interpreter Uzbekistan

Coaching history[]

As of 15 November 2021

Players[]

Current squad[]

The following players were called up for the friendly match against Georgia on 15 November 2021.
Caps and goals correct as of 15 November 2021, after the match against Georgia.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Eldorbek Suyunov (1991-04-12) 12 April 1991 (age 30) 26 0 Uzbekistan Pakhtakor Tashkent
21 1GK Utkir Yusupov (1991-01-04) 4 January 1991 (age 30) 2 0 Uzbekistan Navbahor Namangan
12 1GK (1995-02-16) 16 February 1995 (age 26) 0 0 Uzbekistan AGMK
4 2DF Farrukh Sayfiev (1991-01-17) 17 January 1991 (age 30) 32 0 Uzbekistan Pakhtakor Tashkent
2 2DF Islom Kobilov (1997-06-01) 1 June 1997 (age 24) 11 0 Uzbekistan Lokomotiv Tashkent
16 2DF Rustam Ashurmatov (1996-07-07) 7 July 1996 (age 25) 14 0 South Korea Gangwon
3 2DF Khojiakbar Alijonov (1997-04-19) 19 April 1997 (age 24) 13 0 Uzbekistan Pakhtakor Tashkent
23 2DF Ibrokhimkhalil Yuldoshev (2001-02-14) 14 February 2001 (age 20) 12 1 Russia Nizhny Novgorod
5 2DF Dostonbek Tursunov (1995-06-13) 13 June 1995 (age 26) 5 1 China Chongqing Liangjiang Athletic
15 2DF Husniddin Aliqulov (1999-04-04) 4 April 1999 (age 22) 2 0 Uzbekistan Nasaf
18 2DF (1997-09-01) 1 September 1997 (age 24) 3 0 Uzbekistan Bunyodkor
8 2DF (1999-02-02) 2 February 1999 (age 22) 0 0 Uzbekistan Nasaf
7 3MF Otabek Shukurov (1996-06-22) 22 June 1996 (age 25) 39 3 United Arab Emirates Sharjah
10 3MF Jaloliddin Masharipov (1993-09-01) 1 September 1993 (age 28) 38 4 Saudi Arabia Al Nassr
17 3MF Dostonbek Khamdamov (1996-07-24) 24 July 1996 (age 25) 29 2 Uzbekistan Pakhtakor Tashkent
3MF Ikromjon Alibaev (1994-01-09) 9 January 1994 (age 27) 28 0 South Korea Daejeon Hana Citizen
3MF Odiljon Hamrobekov (1996-02-13) 13 February 1996 (age 25) 24 0 Uzbekistan Pakhtakor Tashkent
11 3MF Akmal Mozgovoy (1999-04-02) 2 April 1999 (age 22) 4 0 Uzbekistan Nasaf
3MF Khojimat Erkinov (2001-05-29) 29 May 2001 (age 20) 9 0 Uzbekistan Pakhtakor Tashkent
22 3MF Oybek Bozorov (1997-08-07) 7 August 1997 (age 24) 8 0 Uzbekistan Nasaf
6 3MF Azizjon Ganiev (1998-02-22) 22 February 1998 (age 23) 8 0 United Arab Emirates Shabab Al-Ahli
4FW Igor Sergeyev (1993-04-30) 30 April 1993 (age 28) 58 15 Kazakhstan Tobol
14 4FW Eldor Shomurodov (captain) (1995-06-29) 29 June 1995 (age 26) 51 22 Italy Roma
4FW Jasurbek Yakhshiboev (1997-06-24) 24 June 1997 (age 24) 3 0 Moldova Sheriff Tiraspol
4FW Shokhboz Umarov (1999-03-09) 9 March 1999 (age 22) 0 0 Belarus BATE Borisov
4FW (2002-02-06) 6 February 2002 (age 19) 0 0 Uzbekistan Nasaf

Recent call-ups[]

The following players have been called for the last 12 months and are still eligible to represent.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Sanjar Kuvvatov (1990-01-08) 8 January 1990 (age 31) 7 0 Uzbekistan Pakhtakor Tashkent v.  Sweden, 5 October 2021
GK Abduvohid Nematov (2001-03-20) 20 March 2001 (age 20) 6 0 Uzbekistan Nasaf v.  Saudi Arabia, 15 June 2021 INJ
GK (1995-11-30) 30 November 1995 (age 26) 0 0 Uzbekistan Bunyodkor v.  Singapore, 7 June 2021 PRE
DF Islom Tukhtakhujaev (1989-10-30) 30 October 1989 (age 32) 73 2 Uzbekistan Qizilqum v.  Saudi Arabia, 15 June 2021
DF Oleg Zoteyev (1989-07-05) 5 July 1989 (age 32) 27 1 South Korea Jeonnam Dragons v.  Saudi Arabia, 15 June 2021
DF Umar Eshmurodov (1992-11-30) 30 November 1992 (age 29) 3 0 Uzbekistan Nasaf v.  Saudi Arabia, 15 June 2021
DF Murod Kholmukhamedov (1990-12-23) 23 December 1990 (age 31) 11 1 Uzbekistan Kokand 1912 v.  Singapore, 7 June 2021 PRE
DF (1992-01-04) 4 January 1992 (age 29) 7 1 Uzbekistan Navbahor Namangan v.  Singapore, 7 June 2021 PRE
DF Igor Golban (1990-07-31) 31 July 1990 (age 31) 4 0 Uzbekistan Navbahor Namangan v.  Jordan, 15 February 2021
MF Abror Ismoilov (1998-01-08) 8 January 1998 (age 23) 8 0 Uzbekistan Pakhtakor Tashkent v.  Sweden, 5 October 2021
MF (1998-07-09) 9 July 1998 (age 23) 4 0 Uzbekistan Bunyodkor v.  Sweden, 5 October 2021
MF (1997-10-30) 30 October 1997 (age 24) 1 0 Uzbekistan Lokomotiv Tashkent v.  Sweden, 5 October 2021
MF Sanjar Kodirkulov (1997-05-27) 27 May 1997 (age 24) 14 1 Uzbekistan Lokomotiv Tashkent v.  Sweden, 5 October 2021
MF Javokhir Sidikov (1996-12-08) 8 December 1996 (age 25) 13 1 Uzbekistan Lokomotiv Tashkent v.  Sweden, 5 October 2021
MF Vagiz Galiulin (1987-10-10) 10 October 1987 (age 34) 14 0 Russia Neftekhimik v.  Saudi Arabia, 15 June 2021
MF Sanjar Shaakhmedov (1990-09-23) 23 September 1990 (age 31) 5 0 Uzbekistan AGMK v.  Saudi Arabia, 15 June 2021
MF Jamshid Iskanderov (1993-10-23) 23 October 1993 (age 28) 24 3 South Korea Seongnam v.  Singapore, 7 June 2021 PRE
MF Lutfulla Turaev (1988-03-30) 30 March 1988 (age 33) 24 0 Uzbekistan Bunyodkor v.  Singapore, 7 June 2021 PRE
MF Sharof Mukhiddinov (1997-04-14) 14 April 1997 (age 24) 2 0 Uzbekistan Nasaf v.  Singapore, 7 June 2021 PRE
MF Husniddin Gafurov (1994-07-29) 29 July 1994 (age 27) 8 1 Uzbekistan AGMK v.  Singapore, 7 June 2021 PRE
MF (1993-04-26) 26 April 1993 (age 28) 1 0 Uzbekistan Sogdiana Jizzakh v.  Singapore, 7 June 2021 PRE
MF (1996-03-21) 21 March 1996 (age 25) 0 0 Uzbekistan Bunyodkor v.  Singapore, 7 June 2021 PRE
MF Sardor Rashidov (1991-06-14) 14 June 1991 (age 30) 48 12 Kuwait Al Kuwait v.  Iraq, 29 March 2021
MF Oston Urunov (2000-09-19) 19 September 2000 (age 21) 5 0 Russia Ufa v.  Iraq, 29 March 2021
MF Azizbek Turgunboev (1994-10-01) 1 October 1994 (age 27) 10 0 Uzbekistan Pakhtakor Tashkent v.  Jordan, 15 February 2021
MF (1997-02-19) 19 February 1997 (age 24) 2 0 Uzbekistan Bunyodkor v.  Jordan, 15 February 2021
MF (1995-04-12) 12 April 1995 (age 26) 0 0 Uzbekistan Turon v.  Jordan, 15 February 2021
FW Temurkhuja Abdukholiqov (1991-09-25) 25 September 1991 (age 30) 17 3 Uzbekistan Lokomotiv Tashkent v.  Saudi Arabia, 15 June 2021
FW Shakhzod Ubaydullaev (1998-03-02) 2 March 1998 (age 23) 3 1 Belarus Energetik-BGU Minsk v.  Singapore, 7 June 2021 PRE
FW Shokhruz Norkhonov (1993-04-13) 13 April 1993 (age 28) 2 0 Uzbekistan Sogdiana Jizzakh v.  Singapore, 7 June 2021 PRE

U23 Included in the U-23 national team.
PRE Preliminary squad standby.
SUS Player suspended.
INJ Player withdrew from the squad due to an injury.
RET Retired from the national team.
WD Player withdrew from the squad for non-injury related reasons.

Player records[]

As of 15 November 2021[20]
Players in bold are still active with Uzbekistan.

Most capped players[]

Server Djeparov is Uzbekistan's most capped player with 128 appearances.
Rank Player Caps Goals First cap Last cap
1 Server Djeparov 128 25 14 May 2002 5 September 2017
2 Timur Kapadze 119 10 14 May 2002 22 January 2015
3 Odil Ahmedov 108 21 13 October 2007 15 June 2021
4 Ignatiy Nesterov 105 0 21 August 2002 21 January 2019
5 Anzur Ismailov 102 3 2 July 2007 5 September 2019
6 Alexander Geynrikh 97 31 14 May 2002 5 September 2017
7 Aziz Haydarov 85 1 2 July 2007 13 October 2018
8 Islom Tukhtakhodjaev 73 2 28 January 2009 15 June 2021
9 Vitaliy Denisov 72 1 22 February 2006 11 September 2018
10 Mirjalol Qosimov 67 31 17 June 1992 12 October 2005

Top goalscorers[]

Maxim Shatskikh is Uzbekistan's top scorer with 34 goals.
Rank Player Goals Caps Average First cap Last cap
1 Maxim Shatskikh 34 61 0.56 18 August 1999 29 May 2014
2 Mirjalol Qosimov 31 67 0.47 17 June 1992 12 October 2005
Alexander Geynrikh 31 97 0.33 14 May 2002 5 September 2017
4 Server Djeparov 25 128 0.2 14 May 2002 5 September 2017
5 Eldor Shomurodov 22 51 0.43 3 September 2015 15 November 2021
6 Odil Ahmedov 21 108 0.19 13 October 2007 15 June 2021
7 Igor Shkvyrin 20 31 0.65 17 June 1992 17 October 2000
8 Jafar Irismetov 15 36 0.42 25 May 1997 21 November 2007
Igor Sergeev 15 58 0.26 10 September 2013 15 November 2021
10 Ulugbek Bakayev 14 52 0.27 25 April 2001 29 May 2014

Competitive record[]

FIFA World Cup[]

FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Result Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pld W D L GF GA —
Uruguay 1930 to Italy 1990 Part of the  Soviet Union Part of the  Soviet Union
United States 1994 Did not enter Did not enter 1994
France 1998 Did not qualify 14 6 4 4 33 21 1998
South Korea Japan 2002 14 7 3 4 33 19 2002
Germany 2006 14 6 5 3 24 15 2006
South Africa 2010 16 8 1 7 33 26 2010
Brazil 2014 18 11 4 3 28 9 2014
Russia 2018 18 11 1 6 26 14 2018
Qatar 2022 8 5 0 3 18 9 2022
Canada Mexico United States 2026 To be determined To be determined 2026
Total — 0/7 – – – – – – — 102 54 18 30 195 133 —

AFC Asian Cup[]

Main article: Uzbekistan at the AFC Asian Cup
AFC Asian Cup record Qualification record
Year Result Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pld W D L GF GA —
Hong Kong 1956 to Qatar 1988 Part of the  Soviet Union Part of the  Soviet Union
Japan 1992 Not an AFC member Not an AFC member 1992
United Arab Emirates 1996 Group stage 10th 3 1 0 2 3 6 Squad 2 1 0 1 5 4 1996
Lebanon 2000 Group stage 12th 3 0 1 2 2 14 Squad 4 4 0 0 16 2 2000
China 2004 Quarter-finals 6th 4 3 1 0 5 2 Squad 6 4 1 1 13 6 2004
Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Vietnam 2007 Quarter-finals 7th 4 2 0 2 10 4 Squad 6 3 2 1 14 4 2007
Qatar 2011 Fourth place 4th 6 3 1 2 10 13 Squad 4 3 0 1 7 3 2011
Australia 2015 Quarter-finals 8th 4 2 0 2 5 5 Squad 6 3 2 1 10 4 2015
United Arab Emirates 2019 Round of 16 10th 4 2 1 1 7 3 Squad 8 7 0 1 20 7 2019
China 2023 To be determined Ongoing (2nd round – Group D) 2023
Total Fourth place 7/7 28 13 4 11 42 47 — 36 25 5 6 85 30 —

Asian Games[]

Football at the Asian Games has been an under-23 tournament since 2002.
Asian Games record
Year Result Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad
1951 to 1990 Part of the  Soviet Union
Japan 1994 Gold medal 1st 7 7 0 0 23 7 Squad
Thailand 1998 Quarter-finals 7th 6 3 2 1 25 8 Squad
2002–present See Uzbekistan national under-23 football team
Total 1 Gold medal 2/2 13 10 2 1 48 15 —

Head-to-head record[]

Main article: Uzbekistan national football team records and statistics

As of 15 November 2021 after the match against  Georgia.[21]

  Positive Record   Neutral Record   Negative Record

FIFA ranking history[]

See also: FIFA World Rankings
Rank Date
Best Rank 45 Nov. 2006 – Jan. 2007
Current Rank 84 October 2021
Worst Rank 119 November 1996
  • FIFA-ranking yearly averages for Uzbekistan (1994–2020)[22]
As of 21 October 2021

Honours[]

International titles[]

  • Afro-Asian Cup of Nations
  • Runner-up (1) 1995

Continental titles[]

  • Asian Games
  • Asian Cup
  • Fourth place (1) 2011

Friendly titles[]

  • Merdeka Tournament
  • Champion (1) 2001
  • China Cup
  • Third place (1) 2019

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA. 23 December 2021. Retrieved 23 December 2021.
  2. ^ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 26 December 2021. Retrieved 26 December 2021.
  3. ^ "Uzbekistan - Remembering the Miracle of 1994". Futbolgrad. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
  4. ^ "Uzbekistan and Bahrain to play it again". ESPN. Retrieved 13 July 2016.
  5. ^ "Uzbekistan 2–3 South Korea". Goal.com. 28 January 2011. Retrieved 2 February 2011.
  6. ^ "www.espn.com/video/clip?id=20590948". espn.com. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
  7. ^ "Cuper ready to power Uzbekistan". AFC. Retrieved 7 January 2019.
  8. ^ "2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Uzbekistan 1-0 Qatar - White Wolves pile further misery on the Maroons". Goal.com. Retrieved 7 January 2019.
  9. ^ "Uzbekistan Football Federation President Mirabror Usmanov Met With Junior White Wolves". Championat.asia. Retrieved 7 January 2019.
  10. ^ Minahan, James B. (23 December 2009). James Minahan. The Complete Guide to National Symbols and Emblems. ISBN 9780313344978. Retrieved 7 January 2019.
  11. ^ "Кубок Азии – 2019. Группа F. Сборная Узбекистана. Белые волки Турана". sports.ru. Retrieved 7 January 2019.
  12. ^ "Кубок Азии – 2019. Группа F. Сборная Узбекистана. Белые волки Турана". sports.ru. Retrieved 7 January 2019.
  13. ^ Marko Polo — National Encyclopedia of Uzbekistan, 2000–2005
  14. ^ "Кубок Азии – 2019. Группа F. Сборная Узбекистана. Белые волки Турана". sports.ru. Retrieved 7 January 2019.
  15. ^ Turon — National Encyclopedia of Uzbekistan, 2000–2005
  16. ^ Бартольд В. В. Работы по истории и филологии тюркских и монгольских народов / В. В. Бартольд; — Перепеч. с изд. 1968 г. — М. — ISBN 9785020183391 (в пер.)
  17. ^ "Блогеры Трибуны написали лучший гайд по Кубку Азии. Здесь Липпи, Сон, Купер и сборная Сирии". sports.ru. Retrieved 7 January 2019.
  18. ^ "Swag. Хипстеры. Adidas. Модный показ сборной Узбекистана - Узбекская кухня - Блоги". Sports.ru. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
  19. ^ "Терма жамоаларимизда либос масаласи". stadion.uz. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
  20. ^ Mamrud, Roberto. "Uzbekistan - Record International Players". RSSSF.
  21. ^ "World Football Elo Ratings: Uzbekistan".
  22. ^ "FIFA-ranking yearly averages for Uzbekistan". FIFA.com.

External links[]

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