Uzbekistan Names Man City Star Khusanov In World Cup Squad

Manchester City defender, Abdukodir Khusanov, has been included in Uzbekistan’s 26-man roster for their first-ever World Cup appearance.

The 22-year-old made history in January 2025 when he moved from Lens to Manchester City, becoming the first Uzbek player to feature in the Premier League. Since then, he has racked up 47 appearances for the Citizens and played a key role in last season’s FA Cup and Carabao Cup triumphs.

Uzbekistan’s debut campaign at the global finals will be led by Italian legendary defender Fabio Cannavaro, who captained his country to World Cup glory in 2006. The team captain is forward Eldor Shomurodov, who spent the 2025–26 season on loan at Istanbul Başakşehir from his parent club, Roma.

The White Wolves kick off their Group K journey against Colombia on June 18, followed by clashes with Portugal and DR Congo.

Full 26-man 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 Başakşehir), Akmal Mozgovoy (Pakhtakor), Azizjon Ganiev (Al Bataeh), Sherzod Esanov (Bukhara).

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