BERLIN, February 4. /Dunyo IA/. The respected German publication “Fussballfieber”, analyzing the debutants of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has named the Uzbekistan national team the main revelation of the upcoming tournament and the most dangerous newcomer, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The 2026 World Cup will go down in history as a record-breaking event: 48 teams, 104 matches, and four debutants - Uzbekistan, Curaçao, Jordan, and Cabo Verde. However, according to the German press, the “White Wolves” from Central Asia appear to be the most organized and ambitious of the new teams.

A Historic Breakthrough After Seven Failures

The publication notes that Uzbekistan’s road to the World Cup was long and dramatic. Seven unsuccessful attempts ended in success only on the eighth try - a feat already being called historic.

The key date was June 5, 2025, which has been forever etched in Uzbek football history. A goalless draw against the UAE under interim coach Timur Kapadze secured Uzbekistan’s qualification for the World Cup, making it the first Central Asian country to reach the tournament. In the qualifiers, the team even finished ahead of the host of the 2022 World Cup, Qatar.

State Recognition and a Star Coach

German readers were particularly impressed that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev personally congratulated the players on this historic achievement. Footballers were awarded honorary titles, orders, and cars - symbolizing the Uzbekistan’s top-level support for football.

The appointment of 2006 World Cup champion Fabio Cannavaro as head coach was also highlighted. In Germany, it is believed that his authority, tactical knowledge, and strict discipline can take the team to a qualitatively new level.

“Iron Defense” and the Ronaldo Test

One of Uzbekistan’s key strengths, according to the publication, is its defense. Special attention is paid to 21-year-old Abdukodir Khusanov, who plays under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and became the first Uzbek footballer in English Premier League history. German journalists are confident that with a player of his caliber, Uzbekistan’s defense could become a true “iron wall” at the 2026 World Cup.

In the group stage, Uzbekistan faces a serious test in Group K, where opponents include Portugal led by Cristiano Ronaldo and Colombia captained by James Rodríguez. “Fussballfieber” emphasizes that one of the Uzbek defenders’ main tasks will be to contain Ronaldo, the world record breaker.

Not Just Participation - Fighting for the Playoffs

At the same time, Uzbekistan, according to German media, does not intend to play solely defensive football. The team aims to advance from the group stage and compete for a quarterfinal spot.

“Fussballfieber” calls Uzbekistan the most disciplined debutant of the tournament, with a strong coaching staff and high tactical potential. The combination of Fabio Cannavaro’s experience and Abdukodir Khusanov’s English football training could make the “White Wolves” the most dangerous and unpredictable newcomer at the 2026 World Cup.