Ilyos Zeytullayev rates Uzbekistan's World Cup chances highly
Bunyodkor head coach Ilyos Zeytullayev shared his thoughts on the Uzbekistan national team's prospects for the 2026 World Cup. The expert noted that today's team is much stronger and more disciplined than in previous years, having reached a level where they can make their mark on the international stage.
Zeytullayev stated that ten years ago, Uzbekistan reaching the World Cup playoffs would have been considered a miracle. But now, the situation is completely different. The national team features players who play for big clubs, have international experience, and can perform under high pressure.
The expert specifically mentioned Abdukodir Khusanov and Abbosbek Fayzullayev. In his opinion, Khusanov, who plays for Manchester City, represents a new level for Uzbek football. Abbosbek Fayzullayev has become one of the players who proved his potential while making a name for himself at CSKA in Russia.
"Today, the Uzbekistan national team has become a much stronger and more disciplined side. For example, Abdukodir Khusanov is playing for Manchester City, and Abbosbek Fayzullayev is known for his time at CSKA in Russia. Overall, Uzbek football has reached a new stage," said Zeytullayev.
Indeed, the current generation of the Uzbekistan national team inspires great hope. The team has players who can combine experience, youthful energy, speed, and individual skill. Most importantly, the national team is no longer just a defensive side, but one that can pressure opponents, counter-attack quickly, and capitalize on set-pieces.
Ilyos Zeytullayev also touched upon the Fabio Cannavaro factor. He believes that if the Italian expert can instill Italian-style organization, defensive discipline, and tactical balance into the Uzbekistan team's game, it will be a huge advantage.
The Italian football school is always known for defensive solidity, positional awareness, and the ability to play for results. If Cannavaro can effectively convey these concepts to Uzbek players, our national team could pose a threat to any opponent at the World Cup.
"If Cannavaro can bring an Italian style to the team's play, it will be very good. If our national team makes it out of the group, it will be a huge achievement, but it is no longer a miracle," emphasized Zeytullayev.
These words well reflect the mood surrounding the national team. Previously, just qualifying for the World Cup was a big dream. Now, there is serious talk about advancing from the group stage. This is a sign of growth, confidence, and a new stage in Uzbek football.
Of course, the World Cup is not an easy tournament. Every mistake there is costly, and every opponent enters the pitch with serious preparation. But Uzbekistan now has experienced legionnaires, strong domestic competition, and a team that senses a historic opportunity.
In short, Ilyos Zeytullayev rated Uzbekistan's chances at the 2026 World Cup positively. In his view, advancing from the group would be a great achievement, but for today's team, it is no longer a miracle. Uzbek football has reached a new level, and the main task now is to prove it on the world stage.
