Utkir Yusupov — our reliable wall on the road to the World Cup ticket

The Uzbekistan national team has achieved a great milestone in its history — securing a ticket to the World Cup. Many factors played a decisive role in our qualification for the 2026 World Cup to be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Among them, one name must be singled out — the experienced goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov.

Home matches — a “clean sheet” record

In five matches played in Tashkent, our opponents — the national teams of Iran, Qatar, UAE, Kyrgyzstan, and North Korea — were unable to score against us even once. This is not only a testament to solid defense, but also to Yusupov’s high level of skill.

Notably, none of the 17 teams that participated in the third stage of Asian qualification managed to keep their home goals intact in all their home matches. In this aspect, Uzbekistan and Yusupov achieved a unique result.

A reliable keeper even on the road

Uzbekistan played a total of 10 matches, recording 7 wins and 3 draws. In away matches, Yusupov also kept a clean sheet twice — in games against UAE and North Korea. His penalty saves and excellent positioning against dangerous shots confirm his great experience and top form.

Overall goalkeeper performance

Yusupov guarded the net in 7 qualifying matches, keeping 5 of them “clean.” Our team scored 14 goals and conceded only 7 in this stage. This allowed the team to be the second in the group in terms of least goals conceded (after Japan).

Rising at club level too

Currently, Utkir Yusupov is playing for the Iranian club Foolad. Having joined the team in July 2024, the goalkeeper played 29 matches in the past season and managed to keep 12 clean sheets. This result once again proves that he is one of the most reliable goalkeepers in Asia today.

For this reason, both specialists and football fans highlight Yusupov’s fortress-like performance. His contract with Foolad runs until June 30, 2026, so he is expected to be the main goalkeeper of our national team at the World Cup.

The Uzbekistan national team has achieved historic success, but this achievement is the result of the tireless work and professionalism of dedicated players. The reliable wall in goal — Utkir Yusupov has become a bright symbol of this effort. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!