President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with members of the Uzbekistan national football team on May 22, along with coaching staff, veterans of the sport, and representatives of the country’s sports community following the team’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup.
During the meeting, the president described the national team’s qualification for the World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, as a vital event for the country. He noted that Uzbek football supporters had waited 34 years for the national team to reach the tournament.
The head of state thanked the players, their families, mentors, and coaching staff for their contribution to the team’s development and performance.
“Our football players can rightfully be called heroes of our time, who have opened a new chapter in the history of Uzbekistan. They have brought our people great joy,” the president said.
The meeting also addressed the broader development of football infrastructure and sports participation in Uzbekistan in recent years. According to information presented during the event, more than 200 sports facilities and nearly 4,000 private sports clubs have been established across the country. In addition, sports grounds have been built in more than 1,500 mahallas.
Officials also noted the establishment of new facilities, including a modern Olympic Village in Tashkent and a National Football Center in the Yukorichirchik district. Professional football academies and schools have also been created in all regions of the country.
According to figures presented at the meeting, the number of football fans in Uzbekistan has reached 5mn. The number of people regularly participating in football exceeds 1.3mn, while the number of professional football players has reached 17,000.
The president stated that reforms aimed at improving transparency in football governance and reducing corruption and nepotism had expanded opportunities for talented young athletes to enter professional sports.
Particular attention during the meeting was given to the development of football at the mahalla level. Authorities announced the launch of the “Every Mahalla – a Football Field” program, which is expected to operate as a nationwide initiative.
Under the program, a “Mahalla League” will be created for boys and girls aged 12 to 17. Amateur football competitions are planned to be held annually at mahalla, district, regional, and national levels. Officials stated that the league would also serve as a platform for professional clubs to identify young talent.
The meeting also highlighted the work of the national team’s coaching staff led by Fabio Cannavaro. The president referred to Cannavaro’s international football experience, including his role as captain of the Italian national team that won the 2006 FIFA World Cup, as well as his receipt of the Ballon d’Or that same year.
According to the presentation, the coaching staff has introduced new approaches related to physical preparation, discipline, tactical organization, positioning, pressing, ball control, and counterattacking play.
The president congratulated Fabio Cannavaro on his first appearance at the World Cup as a coach and wished the coaching staff success in the tournament.
The head of state also noted that Uzbekistan’s national team is expected to face teams from Portugal, Colombia, and Congo during the competition.
“Our people believe in you, the president believes in you. Take to the field boldly and play with all your heart, and defend the honor of our homeland with dignity,” the president said.
According to the statement, Uzbekistan’s national team is expected to receive support during the tournament from fan clubs, supporters, and Uzbek citizens living in the United States.
