“Finding fault with our football players is not typical of our people” — President on the national team’s participation in the World Cup

“Finding fault with our football players is not typical of our people” — President on the national team’s participation in the World Cup

On June 30, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev commented on the participation of the Uzbekistan national team in the 2026 World Cup at a meeting with young people.
The Head of State noted that the World Cup matches in the USA and Mexico were a great experience for the players and that it was inappropriate to criticize the national team excessively, saying:

“However, it is not typical of our people to criticize the members of our national team who defended the honor of our Motherland with excessive emotion or to find fault with them. On the contrary, today it is more important than ever to support them and raise their spirits.”

The Head of State also noted that great victories are still ahead, noting the need to develop football, especially children's football, increase investment in the sector, and start preparations now for the AFC Asian Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia next year.