Historic Triumph: FIFA President Sends Sincere Congratulations to Shavkat Mirziyoyev

The President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, sent a sincere and respectful congratulatory letter to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This congratulation was announced on the occasion of the Uzbekistan national football team qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in its history.

In his letter, Gianni Infantino especially emphasized that the Uzbekistan national team yesterday became the first in the Asian region to secure a spot at the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

In his letter, the FIFA President wrote the following:

“Your Excellency, Honorable President!
Yesterday, Uzbekistan football, for the first time in its rich history, earned the right to participate in the FIFA World Cup. With this victory, Uzbekistan has become one of the very first teams in Asia to secure a deserved ticket to take its place on the world stage.

On behalf of the entire football world, I sincerely congratulate you personally, as well as all Uzbek fans, from the bottom of my heart on this amazing and unprecedented result. I especially emphasize that this success of your national team is not only the result of the players, but also of your government, the Uzbekistan Football Association, the national team’s head coach, the leadership of the clubs, staff, and, of course, the millions of fans who passionately supported their beloved team in every match — their unity and effort made this possible.

This historic victory has great significance not only for the development of football throughout Uzbekistan but also for increasing the interest and confidence of future generations in football. In order to achieve this triumph, the Uzbekistan national team passed through many stages and proved its worthiness for a spot at the World Cup in difficult and intense competition. This success indicates the opening of a new era in the football of the country.

Under your leadership, football in Uzbekistan is developing significantly not only in Asia but also internationally, and is becoming an integral part of world football — this makes us happy. FIFA is always ready to support Uzbekistan’s efforts in the field of football.

Honorable President, once again I wish you and the entire Uzbek people great success at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. I sincerely hope that the Uzbekistan national team will occupy a worthy place in this major international tournament. Furthermore, Your Excellency, I look forward to the opportunity to meet you once again.”

This congratulation from the head of FIFA became another source of pride and joy for the entire Uzbek nation.

On June 5, the Uzbekistan national team drew 0:0 with the United Arab Emirates in the 9th round of the World Cup qualifying stage and secured a spot at the World Cup. This will be Uzbekistan’s first ever appearance in a World Cup. On the same day, Shavkat Mirziyoyev called the head coach of the Uzbekistan national team, Timur Kapadze, and sent congratulations to the players for securing the World Cup ticket for the first time in the country’s history. Also, FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated the Uzbek players.