NPR
Uzbekistan makes its World Cup debut, a first for Central Asia
Saturday, June 27, 2026
Title: Uzbekistan qualifies for World Cup as first Central Asian nation
Summary: Uzbekistan has become the first Central Asian nation to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. The qualification has generated fan engagement in the country. President [name] has stated the team represents the "new Uzbekistan."
Original reporting: https://www.npr.org/2026/06/27/g-s1-129705/uzbekistan-world-cup