President attends send-off ceremony for national team ahead of the World Cup

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President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended the send-off ceremony for Uzbekistan’s national football team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

At the beginning of the ceremony, the players of Uzbekistan’s national team lined up on the field.

The Head of State congratulated compatriots gathered at the stadium, football fans, members of the national team, the coaching staff, and representatives of the sports community on this major football celebration.

It was noted that today marks another historic date for Uzbek football, as the national team is being sent off to the World Cup, which will be held on fields in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with great hopes and best wishes.

The President emphasized that our football players had given the country unforgettable moments and, on behalf of the entire nation, expressed deep gratitude to them, their parents, their mentors and coaches, and all members of the national team.

During the ceremony, special attention was given to the love and devotion that football fans show the national team. The President thanked compatriots who stood by the football players in both moments of victory and difficult times, consistently supporting them.

The activities of fan clubs were also addressed separately. As emphasized, they not only watch national team matches from the stands but also serve as the “twelfth player” in every game, giving each match a distinctive atmosphere. The Head of State expressed confidence that at the World Cup, they will continue to support our football players alongside thousands of compatriots living in Uzbekistan and abroad.

The President noted that football in the country has already become a true friend of every family. Confidence was expressed that new champions will emerge in the future from among the younger generation, inspired by the athletes’ success.

It was noted that the attention paid to sports in New Uzbekistan in recent years, the construction of major sports facilities in every region, the establishment of professional football academies locally, and the recently launched National Football Center are laying a solid foundation for our youth to achieve new success.

It was also emphasized that last year the Olympic Village, covering more than 100 hectares and including five major sports complexes, was completed in the capital, while a magnificent 55,000-seat stadium fully compliant with FIFA standards is under construction in New Tashkent. These modern facilities will enable the country to host prestigious international competitions and will serve as an incentive for athletes to achieve even greater victories.

Addressing the members of the national team, the Head of State emphasized that the nation is sending them off to the major football forum with kind words of encouragement and hope. It was noted that important matches against the national teams of Portugal, Colombia, and Congo lie ahead. Therefore, the players must take to the field with confidence, full dedication, and determination.

“Remember that we are always with you. We are confident that, thanks to the courage, resilience, and will inherent in our people, you will play a beautiful, confident game and make us all proud”, the President said.