Uzbekistan's national football team, often dubbed 'Asia's chokers,' has finally qualified for their first World Cup after a 0-0 draw against the United Arab Emirates. This historic achievement ends a long history of near-misses and disappointments, marking a new era for Uzbek football driven by investment in youth development and a strong defensive strategy.
‘Asia’s chokers’ smile at last: Uzbekistan’s hurt over as they reach first World Cup
UzbekistanWorld Cup 2026 qualifiersWorld Cup 2026SportsWorld Cup
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Uzbekistan's national football team, often dubbed 'Asia's chokers,' has finally qualified for their first World Cup after a 0-0 draw against the United Arab Emirates. This historic achievement ends a long history of near-misses and disappointments, marking a new era for Uzbek football driven by investment in youth development and a strong defensive strategy.
Trending- 1 1979: Malmö reached European Cup final.
- 2 1994: Uzbekistan joined Fifa and Asian Football Confederation.
- 3 2002: Srecko Katanec led Slovenia to World Cup.
- 4 2006 World Cup qualifiers: Uzbekistan reached playoff against Bahrain.
- 5 2014 tournament: Uzbekistan missed qualification due to goal difference.
- 6 2018 tournament: Uzbekistan drew with South Korea, missed qualification.
- 7 2021: Olympic Tashkent club formed.
- 8 2022: Under-23s reached Asian final.
- 9 2023: Under-20s became continental champions and qualified for World Cup.
- 10 2024: Under-23s reached Asian final, earned first Olympic appearance.
- 11 January 2025: Srecko Katanec stepped down, Timur Kapadze took over.
- 12 Thursday, June 5, 2025: Uzbekistan qualifies for World Cup.
- Uzbekistan will participate in its first World Cup.
- The team sheds its 'Asia's chokers' label.
- Validates Uzbekistan's long-term investment in football development.
What: Uzbekistan's national football team qualified for its first World Cup.
When: Thursday, June 5, 2025 (inferred from published date and 'Thursday').
Where: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Why: After a history of near-misses and disappointments in World Cup qualifiers, Uzbekistan secured the necessary point in a draw to qualify, benefiting from long-term investment in youth development and a solid defensive strategy.
How: By securing a 0-0 draw against the United Arab Emirates in a qualification match, earning the necessary point.