Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  On 10 June, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended the final qualifying match of the FIFA World Cup between the national teams of Uzbekistan and Qatar, held at the Bunyodkor Stadium. The evening marked a truly historic moment as Uzbekistan secured its first-ever qualification for the World Cup.

A long-awaited dream of millions of Uzbek football fans finally came true. After seven unsuccessful qualification attempts, Uzbekistan reached this milestone thanks to systematic support and the consistent development of football infrastructure across the country.

State-led reforms played a pivotal role in this success. A Presidential Decree from 16 March 2018 launched a nationwide program to nurture young football talent. Youth academies were established across all 14 regions, alongside intensive training programs for coaches, referees, and specialists. A subsequent decree on 4 December 2019 ushered in a new era for Uzbek football, from club reforms to international tournaments. Further progress was cemented by the Resolution of 8 April 2023, strengthening grassroots and professional football.

The results have been remarkable. The U-23 team won the AFC Championship in 2018, and the U-20 squad repeated the feat in 2023. In 2024, Uzbekistan’s youth team qualified for the Olympic Games for the first time. In spring 2025, the U-17 team won the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, securing a place at the U-17 World Cup.

The senior national team competed in Group A of the third round of World Cup qualifiers, facing off against Iran, Qatar, the UAE, Kyrgyzstan, and North Korea. With 18 points after nine matches, Uzbekistan qualified for the World Cup ahead of schedule. The final match against Qatar ended with an emphatic 3–0 victory, igniting celebrations across the country.

In his congratulatory speech, President Mirziyoyev hailed the team’s achievement as a triumph of courage, resilience, and a dream fulfilled for the entire nation. He emphasized that the victory would inspire younger generations and boost Uzbekistan’s international prestige.

By Presidential Decree dated 6 June, players and coaches of the national team were awarded state honors in recognition of their historic achievement and their role in promoting patriotism and love of sport among youth. In a solemn post-match ceremony, the President personally presented the awards — orders, medals, and honorary titles. As a token of appreciation, team members and coaching staff also received BYD automobiles.

Distinguished guests joined President Mirziyoyev in the stands, including President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev, Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico, and top government officials from Central Asian countries. The celebration concluded with a spectacular drone show and fireworks display.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held from 11 June to 19 July across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For the first time, the tournament will feature 48 national teams divided into 12 groups. Teams finishing first and second in each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stage.

The people of Uzbekistan now look ahead with pride and high hopes for more victories on the global football stage.