Overview

• A 0-0 draw with the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi secured their spot by clinching second place in Group A of Asian qualifying.
• Uzbekistan becomes the first Central Asian nation to reach soccer’s global showpiece after seven previous failed campaigns.
• Coach Timur Kapadze dedicated the achievement to the entire nation following his appointment in January.
• President Shavkat Mirziyoyev praised the team’s unbreakable will and professionalism in an official statement.
• State-backed reforms have delivered success across age groups with recent Under-23 and Under-20 Asian Cup titles.