Uzbekistan head coach Fabio Cannavaro has named a 40-man training squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The list is not the final World Cup roster. It is an expanded squad for the final stage of preparations, with Cannavaro set to make further cuts before the tournament. Under FIFA rules, the final World Cup squad can include between 23 and 26 players, with at least three goalkeepers.
Cannavaro will eventually have to cut the list by at least 14 players.
Still, the squad already gives a clear idea of his plans. The core of the team is largely in place, while the May camp will be used to assess fitness, depth and competition for the final spots.
Several players in the squad have yet to make their senior international debut. Among them are Mukhammadrasul Abdumadzhidov, Avazbek Ulmasaliev, Diyor Ortikboev, Nodirbek Abdurazzokov, Sardorbek Bakhromov and Sherzod Esanov. For them, the camp is a chance to make an impression and push for a place around the World Cup squad.
The centre-back choices are particularly interesting. Cannavaro has called up Ulmasaliev from OKMK, Ortikboev from Xorazm and Abdumadzhidov from Pakhtakor. Their inclusion can be explained by the situation in central defence: Khusniddin Alikulov is injured, while Jakhongir Urozov has had some difficult recent games for Dinamo Samarkand. Even so, Urozov remains an important option. He has already been tested at international level, knows the team environment and is needed in a position where Uzbekistan do not have unlimited depth.
Some players have been named despite fitness concerns. Jaloliddin Masharipov, Khusain Norchaev, Abdulla Abdullaev and Behruz Karimov are still recovering from injuries. Their inclusion shows that the coaching staff still sees them as part of the plans, but their presence in the squad should not yet be read as confirmation that they are ready for full training.
There are also a few unexpected choices. Quvondiq Ro‘ziev’s call-up stands out. The 31-year-old Navbahor midfielder is not a regular starter for his club and appears to have been out of the national-team picture since 2020. His return is one of the more surprising decisions in the squad.
Cannavaro has also recalled players many Uzbekistan fans had been waiting to see again. Ibrokhimkhalil Yuldoshev and Umarali Rakhmonaliev are among the most notable names. Both have been close to the national-team picture for some time, but neither had been a guaranteed part of the squad. Their inclusion makes sense before a World Cup: Cannavaro is looking not only at his established core, but also at players who could offer useful alternatives.
Azizbek Amonov has received his first call-up after a long break. Unlike Ro‘ziev, his case is easier to explain: the Dinamo Samarkand forward is in good form, plays regularly and can cover different attacking roles. But he still has to prove that he belongs in the final World Cup squad.
Alisher Odilov should be seen in a similar way. He has already played for Uzbekistan, but he is not an automatic pick. His call-up is more about current form and competition in attack.
Jasur Jaloliddinov is also back in the squad. He is not a newcomer and has long been followed by Uzbekistan coaches. His value lies in his versatility: he can play in midfield, between the lines and in more advanced roles.
If players without senior caps, those with injury concerns, Ro‘ziev, Amonov and fourth-choice goalkeeper Vladimir Nazarov are set aside, Cannavaro is left with 27 players. That is only one more than the maximum number allowed in a final World Cup squad.
In reality, the list of serious World Cup contenders already looks close to the final limit.
The likely starting XI is also taking shape. Utkir Yusupov is expected to be the first-choice goalkeeper. The back three could be Abdukodir Khusanov, Rustamjon Ashurmatov and Umar Eshmurodov, with Sherzod Nasrullaev and Khojiakbar Alijonov as wing-backs. Otabek Shukurov and Odiljon Hamrobekov are the main options in central midfield. Further forward, Oston Urunov and Abbosbek Fayzullaev are likely to support Eldor Shomurodov.
The closest reserve options are also fairly clear: Abduvohid Nematov, Jakhongir Urozov, Farrukh Sayfiev, Ruslanbek Mozgovoy, Azizjon Ganiev, Jamshid Iskanderov, Dostonbek Khamdamov and Igor Sergeev.
Cannavaro also has several players who can give him more flexibility. Rakhmonaliev and Jaloliddinov can add options in midfield and between the lines. Sherzod Temirov provides another centre-forward option, while Ruslanbek Zhiyanov gives Uzbekistan an additional attacking profile.
Uzbekistan’s attacking options are varied: centre-forwards, attacking midfielders, inside forwards, wide players and second strikers. That means the final calls will depend not only on positions, but also on roles — penalty-box presence, pace, creativity between the lines and tactical flexibility.
Uzbekistan will hold the training camp in Tashkent from May 6 to 26. The 2026 World Cup will be played in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Uzbekistan are in Group K with Colombia, Portugal and DR Congo. Cannavaro’s team will open against Colombia at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 17, then face Portugal in Houston on June 23 and DR Congo in Atlanta on June 27.