Uzbekistan National Team Given Grand FIFA World Cup Send-Off

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Coca-Cola, together with the Uzbekistan Football Association, held an official send-off ceremony for Uzbekistan’s national football team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The event brought together tens of thousands of fans, media representatives, partners, and football supporters from across the country.

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended the ceremony and officially opened the event. The head of state personally expressed support for the national team ahead of its participation in the FIFA World Cup, highlighting the special significance of this historic achievement for the country.

“Our footballers can rightfully be called heroes of our time, who have opened a new page in the history of Uzbekistan. They have brought great joy to our people,” the president said.

The head of state stressed that there would be no easy matches at the World Cup, where Uzbekistan will face Portugal, Colombia, and DR Congo. At the same time, he noted that the players had already entered the country’s history and should now represent the nation with full dedication and without unnecessary pressure.

During the World Cup matches, the team will be supported at stadiums by fan clubs, thousands of supporters, and Uzbek citizens living in the United States.

“Our people believe in you, the President believes in you. Go onto the field with confidence, play from the heart, and достойно defend the honor of the Motherland,” the president said.

Ahead of the ceremony, the players and coaching staff of the national team met with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, which became an important and inspiring moment for the squad before the upcoming tournament.

The main event of the evening was a friendly match involving the Uzbekistan national team at Bunyodkor Stadium. The squad was divided into Team A and Team B.

The stadium stands were filled with supporters waving flags, chanting, and applauding the players. For many guests, it was a unique opportunity to see the national team in this lineup ahead of its historic participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Team B won the match 4–3.

Uzbekistan captain Eldor Shomurodov said the support shown to the national team gives the players additional strength and confidence.

“I think this will become a major motivation for the entire team. All of us feel proud, and the squad has a strong desire to perform достойно at the World Cup,” he said.

Midfielder Abbosbek Fayzullayev noted that the players constantly feel support from both the state and the fans. He added that the team is mentally and physically prepared for the tournament.

Uzbekistan head coach Fabio Cannavaro stressed that participation in the World Cup is a special event.

“The meeting with the President of Uzbekistan gives us additional responsibility and motivation. It is also an extra incentive to represent Uzbekistan достойно at the World Cup,” Cannavaro said.

“We will do everything possible to perform достойно at the World Cup and give our all on the field. We want all fans to be proud of our team,” he added.

Kazumasa Mukae, CEO of Coca-Cola in Uzbekistan, said the company was honored to stand alongside the national team during this historic moment.

“For The Coca-Cola Company, it is a great honor to be with Uzbekistan’s national team today during this historic moment. Coca-Cola is a global brand with the heart of every country where it is produced. We are sincerely proud to have become part of this important event — the send-off of Uzbekistan’s national football team to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“Every victory of Uzbekistan is not only a triumph for the nation, but also a source of pride for the entire Coca-Cola system worldwide. Today we are not just partners, but also fans wholeheartedly supporting our team. We sincerely wish our players strength, confidence, and great success on the world stage. Forward with pride — Olg'a, O'zbekiston!” he said.

Before the main part of the event, guests at the stadium took part in interactive zones, themed photo areas, contests, and entertainment activities. Korzinka, a long-standing partner of the Coca-Cola system in Uzbekistan and a partner of the Uzbekistan Football Association, organized special areas where guests could purchase Coca-Cola products and mascots representing the national team symbol “White Wolves.”

Performers at the event included DJ Piligrim, Munisa Rizayeva, Shahriyor, Sabina Mustaeva, Gulomjon Yokubov, Jahongir Poziljonov, Ozodbek Nazarbekov, and other popular artists. During the performances, spectators sang along to famous songs, while the stadium stands turned into a united fan zone supporting the national team.

With the support of Coca-Cola, the Collecting Voices project — a nationwide flash mob in support of the national team — was launched across all regions of the country. During the ceremony, a special video combining the voices of fans from across Uzbekistan was shown on the stadium screens, becoming a symbol of national unity.

The event concluded with Uzbek pop star Sevara Nazarkhan performing “Olg‘a O‘zbekiston!” on the field, creating one of the most emotional moments of the evening.

The ceremony became not only a major sporting event, but also a celebration of national pride, uniting fans in support of Uzbekistan’s national team. The country’s historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup marked an important milestone for Uzbek football and millions of supporters across the nation.

Coca-Cola and the Uzbekistan Football Association thanked all guests and fans who became part of the memorable evening and wished the national team success at the upcoming World Cup.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Following the draw, Uzbekistan was placed in Group K alongside Portugal, DR Congo, and Colombia.

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