The extended squad for the Uzbekistan national team for the 2026 World Cup has been announced. Head coach Fabio Cannavaro has included 30 players in the preliminary list ahead of the tournament. Now, 26 of these players will make the final roster.
This roster is of historical significance for Uzbek football, as our national team is on the verge of participating in the World Cup final stage for the first time. Therefore, it is natural that every position, every player, and every selection is under special scrutiny.
Fabio Cannavaro called up the most players from Pakhtakor and Neftchi. Four players from the 'Lions' were included in the extended squad, while three players were called up from Fergana's Neftchi.
From Neftchi, goalkeeper Botirali Ergashev, experienced defender Farrux Sayfiyev, and midfielder Jamshid Iskanderov made the list. These players caught the coaching staff's attention with their consistent club performance, experience, and potential to contribute to the national team.
From Pakhtakor, Hojiakbar Alijonov, Sherzod Nasrullayev, Akmal Mozgovoy, and Doston Hamdamov were called up. This quartet provides important options for the national team across various lines. In particular, their versatility in defense and attack could be of great importance to Cannavaro.
Players plying their trade at foreign clubs have also been included in the extended squad. The call-up of two players each from Istanbul Basaksehir, Istiklol, Persepolis, Dinamo, Nasaf, and Navbahor shows a balance between domestic league experience and international exposure.
The final decision will not be easy for Cannavaro, as he must select 26 players from the 30. This means four players will be left out of the final World Cup roster. In such a situation, every training session, every friendly match, and the players' physical condition become decisive.
The World Cup kicks off on June 11. As the tournament approaches, the excitement surrounding the national team is growing. For our national team, this is not just a sporting competition, but a historic opportunity to bring the dream of an entire nation to the world stage.
In short, Fabio Cannavaro has announced a 30-man extended squad for the 2026 World Cup. Representatives from Pakhtakor and Neftchi dominate the list. Now, the main intrigue is who will remain in the final 26-man squad. Time is short until the World Cup, and the competition is heating up to the maximum.
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