LONDON, April 1. /Dunyo IA/. British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) featured a story titled “Why Uzbekistan is a football fan’s paradise?”, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

In its publication, the BBC recalled that following a historic victory over the UAE in 2025, the Uzbekistan national team secured its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, overcoming the challenging qualification barrier for the first time and sparking joy among fans across the country.

It is noted that football has long since become a cultural phenomenon in Uzbekistan. The national team and the “Pakhtakor” club shape the country's football identity, and the recent transfer of 20-year-old Abdukodir Khusanov to the English club “Manchester City” has only intensified interest in the game. According to experts and fans, the national team's successes are bringing people back to the stands and laying the foundation for the further development of football in the country.

BBC points out that Uzbekistan’s women’s national team is also expanding opportunities for girls, breaking stereotypes and inspiring a new generation of female athletes.

“Football in Uzbekistan is closely intertwined with local culture. Fans enjoy matches accompanied by national cuisine: pilaf, flatbreads, and other dishes have become an integral part of the sporting experience”, - corporation noted.

It is emphasized that as the World Cup approaches, Uzbekistan is ready to showcase its football achievements, cultural heritage and hospitality, weaving sport, gastronomy and local traditions into a single national narrative.

“In Uzbekistan, sport has always held a special place in society and football is no exception, - 30-year-old Tashkent native and resident Sunnatillo Samatov explained to the BBC. - It is truly unique and rich... it is not just a sport, but a cultural phenomenon”.