Fabio Cannavaro names Uzbekistan’s 26 for first World Cup, Abdukodir Khusanov included | OneFootball

Fabio Cannavaro has named Uzbekistan’s 26-man squad for their first World Cup, with Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov selected.

According to L'Équipe, the Italian was appointed in October 2025 and confirmed his list after a 2-0 defeat to Canada in Edmonton in their first warm-up. There were no major surprises, and centre-forward Eldor Chomourodov, this season’s Süper Lig top scorer with Istanbul Basaksehir, is in.

Midfielder Azizjon Ganiev, withdrawn as a precaution against Canada and replaced by Abbosbek Fayzullaev of Istanbul Basaksehir, makes the cut. The main omission is Cherzod Temirov after 34 matches and 28 goals in Iraq’s top flight. The headline surprises are Cherzod Esanov of FC Buxoro and Avazbek Oulmasaliev of OKMK Olmaliq.

The squad comprises three goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 10 midfielders and three forwards. Fifteen players come from the Uzbekistan Super League, with five from Iran, three from the United Arab Emirates and two from Türkiye. Only Khusanov features in a top five league, the Premier League, and Cannavaro’s staff includes 12 other Italians.

The finals run from 11 June to 19 July. Uzbekistan meet the Netherlands on 8 June in their final warm-up. They then play Colombia on 18 June at 04:00 in France, Portugal on 23 June at 19:00, and DR Congo on 28 June at 01:30.

Source: L'Équipe