Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov has been included in Uzbekistan's 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup, as the Central Asian nation prepares for its debut appearance at the tournament.

Khusanov made history in January 2025 when he joined City from Lens, becoming the first Uzbek player ever to feature in the Premier League. The 22-year-old has since made 47 appearances for the club, contributing to FA Cup and Carabao Cup victories last season.

Cannavaro leads a nation into uncharted territory

Uzbekistan will be guided at the World Cup by Fabio Cannavaro, the Italy defender who lifted the trophy in 2006. Under his leadership, the squad is captained by forward Eldor Shomurodov, who spent the 2025-26 season at Istanbul Basaksehir on loan from Roma.

Uzbekistan have been drawn in Group K, where they open their campaign against Colombia on 18 June, before facing Portugal and DR Congo in their remaining group fixtures.

Full squad

Goalkeepers: Utkir Yusupov (Navbahor), Abduvohid Nematov (Nasaf), Botirali Ergashev (Neftchi).

Defenders: Rustam Ashurmatov (Esteghlal), Farrukh Sayfiev (Neftchi), Khojiakbar Alijonov (Pakhtakor), Sherzod Nasrullaev (Nasaf), Umar Eshmurodov (Nasaf), Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City), Abdulla Abdullaev (Dibba), Bekhruz Karimov (Surkhon), Jakhongir Urozov (Dinamo Samarqand), Avazbek Ulmasaliev (AGMK).

Midfielders: Otabek Shukurov (Baniyas), Jaloliddin Masharipov (Esteghlal), Odiljon Hamrobekov (Tractor), Oston Urunov (Persepolis), Jamshid Iskanderov (Neftchi), Dostonbek Khamdamov (Pakhtakor), Abbosbek Fayzullaev (Istanbul Basaksehir), Akmal Mozgovoy (Pakhtakor), Azizjon Ganiev (Al Bataeh), Sherzod Esanov (Bukhara).

Forwards: Eldor Shomurodov (Istanbul Basaksehir, on loan from Roma), Igor Sergeev (Persepolis), Azizbek Amonov (Bukhara).