TASHKENT, June 24. /Dunyo IA/.   To mark the second match of the national team of Uzbekistan against Portugal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, public viewings and community gatherings for compatriots were hosted in a wide range of foreign states, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Embassy of Uzbekistan in Rome hosted a dedicated fan zone to gather compatriots for a public screening and collective support of the national team. The event brought together around 90 attendees, including Uzbek citizens residing in Italy, students, members of the diplomatic corps, and local Italian football enthusiasts. Prior to the match, the national team captain Eldor Shomurodov delivered a video address to his fellow citizens, extending his gratitude for their steadfast backing. Italian supporters displayed a keen interest in the fixture, remarking that they closely monitor the Uzbek squad's progress and take unique pride in seeing the Uzbekistan national team managed by the iconic Italian football legend Fabio Cannavaro.

A collective viewing was also hosted at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Moscow, uniting over 150 attendees, including Uzbek students enrolled in Russian higher education institutions, members of the diaspora, and diplomatic mission staff. Prior to the broadcast, the participants were briefed on ongoing national reforms, youth empowerment programs, and expanding avenues in education, employment and sports. Speakers emphasized that the accomplishments of domestic athletes on the global stage stem from a consistent state policy aimed at the comprehensive development of the younger generation.

In Novosibirsk, Consulate General of Uzbekistan hosted a second public screening of the match at the 'Eurasia-Siberia' Uzbek wholesale and distribution hub. The gathering brought together over 70 compatriots, including long-haul truck drivers, produce vendors, hospitality sector workers, alongside staff from the Consulate General, the “Uzbekistan Airways” representative office and Migration Agency. The viewing commenced with the playing of the National Anthem of Uzbekistan. Attendees followed the course of the match with immense enthusiasm, showcasing unity, solidarity and steadfast backing for the national team. The event's vibrant atmosphere was further elevated by a display of numerous national flags and jerseys featuring Uzbekistan's state symbols.

In the Kazakh city of Aktau, Consulate General supported the organization of events to back the national team of Uzbekistan. In collaboration with representatives from the Mangystau region's main television channel, “Mangystau TV”, dedicated broadcast materials were produced featuring Central Asian state symbols and equestrian elements. Additionally, a fan zone event for the “Uzbekistan vs. Portugal” fixture was hosted, drawing over 100 compatriots.

Embassy of Uzbekistan in Ashgabat organized a collective screening of the second match of the Uzbekistan national team in the “Tashkent” park, which stands as a symbol of friendship and brotherhood between the Uzbek and Turkmen peoples, as well as on the premises of the “Tashkent” restaurant, which lent a solemn and warm character to the event. Fans actively supported the Uzbekistan national team during the intense match against Portugal, and the participants noted that such initiatives contribute to strengthening friendship between nations and developing cultural and sports cooperation in the region.

Uzbek citizens residing in Singapore also gathered to hold collective screenings of the national team's matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Attendees backed the squad with immense enthusiasm and a profound sense of pride, meting out thunderous applause for every dedicated play made by the footballers. Compatriots in Singapore emphasized that the national team's debut at the global championship marks a historic milestone for domestic sports, extending their heartfelt wishes for the team's continued success on the international stage.

Initiated by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Warsaw, a public screening of the national team's match brought together representatives from the Polish Chamber of Commerce, think tanks, media outlets, the diplomatic corps, and compatriots. In the course of the gathering, the guests were briefed on traditional Uzbek cuisine, alongside the rich culture and tourism potential of the nation. For their part, the attendees underscored that the national squad's participation in this tournament is highly significant not only for sports, but also for elevating Uzbekistan's global profile and international prestige.

As noted by many attendees, these gatherings do not merely provide an opportunity to collectively follow the national team's progress; they also play a vital role in further consolidating friendly bonds, unity and a profound sense of national pride among Uzbek citizens living abroad.