The participation of the Uzbekistan national team in the 2026 World Cup is considered a historic event not only for our country but for all of Central Asian football. Our representatives will be the first from the region to take the field in the final stage of a FIFA World Cup.
For this reason, there is great interest and support for the Uzbekistan national team from neighboring countries. Samat Smakov, the former captain of the Kazakhstan national team, also shared his thoughts on the chances of the "White Wolves" at the 2026 World Cup, praising the growth of Uzbek football.
Smakov noted that the Uzbekistan national team has the potential to put up a worthy performance against their group opponents. While acknowledging Portugal as the favorite, he stated that it is possible to compete against the other teams. He even noted that with the right tactics, it is possible to challenge the Portuguese.
"Excluding Portugal, it is possible to play against all other teams, and even against the Portuguese, it is possible to compete," said Smakov.
According to the Kazakh expert, in modern football, teams have learned both how to play and how to defend well. If a national team defends in an organized manner, it will not be easy for the opponent to break through. This point is especially relevant in major tournaments like the World Cup.
"Football shows once again that everyone has learned to play and defend. If a team defends well, it will be very difficult to break through," he emphasized.
Smakov called Uzbekistan a neighboring and brotherly country for Kazakhstan. He expressed that Kazakhs are also rooting for the Uzbekistan national team, noting that the success of our team is a source of pride for the entire region.
The former player said that Uzbekistan has invested heavily in football infrastructure over the last decade. The focus on bases, stadiums, academies, and the preparation system is paying off today. Qualifying for the World Cup is seen as the result of this long-term effort.
"Uzbekistan is our neighbor, a brotherly country, and we care for them. They started investing in football, building bases and stadiums 10 years ago, and now it has yielded results," said Smakov.
He noted that football academies and stadiums are also being built in Kazakhstan, but it is not right to expect quick results in such processes. In his opinion, great results in football require time, a system, and patience.
The Uzbekistan national team has been drawn into Group K for the 2026 World Cup. Fabio Cannavaro's squad will face Portugal, Colombia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the group stage.
Of course, this group is not easy. Portugal is considered one of the favorites with its star-studded squad. Colombia has physically strong and technical players. DR Congo is a dangerous opponent, known as a fast, athletic, and combative team. But as Smakov said, in modern football, a disciplined and well-prepared team can cause problems for any opponent.
In short, Samat Smakov rated the chances of the Uzbekistan national team at the 2026 World Cup positively. He emphasized that Uzbek football has achieved great growth in recent years and that today's results are no coincidence. Our neighbors are excited with us — now the "White Wolves" must make the voice of Central Asia heard louder on the pitch.
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