Former Russian national team player Andrey Arshavin, best known for his time at Arsenal, shared his thoughts on the Uzbekistan national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. In a conversation with journalists, the former player expressed interesting views on our team's chances at the tournament, their group opponents, and especially the development of Abdukodir Khusanov.
Arshavin was asked what to expect from the Uzbekistan team at the upcoming World Cup. He was asked whether qualifying for the tournament is already a great achievement or if there is a real chance of advancing from the group stage.
The former player emphasized that for Uzbekistan, simply reaching the World Cup is a historic and monumental achievement. Indeed, our national team qualifying for the first time marks the beginning of a new era for Uzbek football.
“Of course, just reaching the World Cup is a huge achievement for them. But now, even a team that finishes third in the group can advance to the next round,” said Arshavin.
This point is very important. Because the 2026 World Cup will be held in a new format, and teams finishing third in some groups will have a chance to reach the playoffs. This means Uzbekistan has the opportunity not just to participate, but to fight for a spot in the next stage.
Arshavin noted that even though Uzbekistan is in a group with strong opponents like Portugal and Colombia, he sees them as a team with “hidden potential.” In other words, opponents and experts have not yet fully studied our team, but they have the capacity to produce a surprise.
“That is why, even though they are in a group with Portugal and Colombia, Uzbekistan is a team with hidden potential in this tournament,” he emphasized.
The former player also touched upon the group opponents. He said he rates the Colombian national team highly. At the same time, he expressed that he does not think the level of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is significantly different from Uzbekistan's. This means our team has a chance to earn points in at least a few matches in the group.
Arshavin also mentioned that he recently watched an Uzbekistan national team match at the stadium. According to him, the players' movement, style of play, and passion on the pitch left a good impression on him. He was particularly impressed by Eldor Shomurodov's performance.
“I recently went to an Uzbekistan match. I really liked the guys' play and movement. Eldor Shomurodov played well. Uzbekistan is a team that plays real football,” said Arshavin.
This assessment is a pleasant recognition for Uzbek players. Because such an opinion from someone who has seen top-level football, played in the English Premier League, and gained international experience is not just simple praise. He specifically notes that the Uzbekistan team has a tactical idea, movement, and a desire to play football.
During the conversation, a specific question was asked about Abdukodir Khusanov. The journalist mentioned as a fantastic achievement that Khusanov has been among the top three players for Manchester City this season. Arshavin, in turn, did not hide that he was amazed by the Uzbek defender's growth.
“For me, it was a real discovery. To be honest, I didn't know who Abdukodir Khusanov was until he moved to Manchester City,” said the former player.
Arshavin admitted that he initially questioned whether Khusanov could prove himself in England. This is natural, as the Premier League is one of the fastest, most physically demanding, and high-pressure leagues in the world. It is not easy to find one's place there as a defender. But Khusanov answered these doubts with his performance on the pitch.
“I was also skeptical at first about whether he could succeed in England. But he is playing very well, what else can you say about that?” added Arshavin.
Abdukodir Khusanov's success at Manchester City is a major event not only for his personal career but for all of Uzbek football. Proving oneself at one of the top clubs in world football is a dream for any player. And Khusanov is making effective use of this opportunity.
The conversation also touched on whether Pep Guardiola was the main person who shaped Khusanov into a great player. Arshavin gave a balanced answer. In his opinion, Abdukodir is a self-made player. That is, his personal hard work, discipline, and character played the main role in reaching this level.
“I think Abdukodir made himself,” he said.
At the same time, Arshavin did not deny Guardiola's influence. He said that the fact that Khusanov could meet Pep's demands and that the Spanish coach trusted him is also an important factor. Earning trust at Manchester City is a high level in itself.
“But the fact that he fits Guardiola's level and requirements, and that Pep trusts him — I think that is also to Guardiola's credit. Nevertheless, in my opinion, Khusanov is a self-made player,” said Arshavin.
These words are a significant recognition for Khusanov. Because in football, talent alone is not enough. To prove oneself in a big league, one needs character, hard work, the ability to learn quickly, and the ability to withstand pressure. Khusanov is gaining attention precisely for these traits.
As a reminder, the Uzbekistan national team is in Group K for the 2026 World Cup. In this quartet, our representatives will compete against the national teams of Portugal, Colombia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Of course, the group is not easy. Portugal is a team rich in stars and with great experience. Colombia relies on technical, fast, and physically strong players. The Democratic Republic of the Congo poses a threat with the strength, speed, and fighting spirit typical of African football.
But as Arshavin said, Uzbekistan can now be called a team with “hidden potential.” Our national team has experienced leaders like Eldor Shomurodov, players like Abdukodir Khusanov who are being forged at a high level, and representatives of a new generation. Most importantly, it is felt that the team is striving to play football and show its own ideas on the pitch.
Every match at the World Cup will be a separate story. For Uzbekistan, this is the first World Cup, but this is not just a trip for participation. Our national team has the opportunity to show itself, make the fans happy, and demonstrate to the world how Uzbek football has grown.
Arshavin's words show that interest in our representatives is growing in the external football environment as well. It is now difficult to underestimate Uzbekistan. Both opponents and experts are realizing that this team can show real football on the pitch. At the World Cup, only the pitch will provide the final answer to all the talk.
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