WASHINGTON, May 20. /Dunyo IA/. Football in Uzbekistan has demonstrated rapid development in recent years, and the national team's participation in the 2026 World Cup could mark the beginning of the “first golden era” in the country's history, reports Dunyo IA correspondent, citing with reference to the American online magazine “The Diplomat”.

Special attention is paid to the fact that the national team of Uzbekistan became the first team from Central Asia and the South Caucasus to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. This event is viewed as a historic milestone for national football.

The emergence of Uzbek footballers in top European championships is cited as one of the key growth factors. In particular, the participation of Abdukodir Khusanov in the English club “Manchester City” and his international recognition are highlighted.

Positive dynamics are also observed in youth football. The Uzbekistan U-17 national team won the Asian Cup in 2025, which is viewed as the foundation for the future success of national football.

Special attention is also paid to the development of women's football. The Uzbekistan women's national team reached the quarterfinals of the 2026 Asian Cup, and the country hosting the Women's Asian Cup in 2029 is expected to further drive interest in this area.

It is emphasized that Uzbekistan's achievements in sports, including the results at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, demonstrate the strong development of professional sports infrastructure in the country.