From idol to opponent: Uzbekistan set for Ronaldo test

Cristiano Ronaldo will be one of the main attractions when Portugal take on Uzbekistan in their subsequent Group K fixture at the FIFA World Cup 2026™. In the Central Asian country, the Portugal legend is a long-time idol for generations of football supporters. In Uzbekistan’s bazaars – among the major hubs of daily life in the country, alongside its madrasas – shirts bearing the names of Ronaldo, as well as Lionel Messi are everywhere.

Furthermore, but new names are now also starting to appear, from Kylian Mbappe, as well as Lamine Yamal to homegrown talents such as Abdukodir Khusanov, as well as Abbosbek Fayzullaev. For now, though, Ronaldo, as well as Messi still reign supreme.

Nuraddin Boltaboev, a 22-year-old from Khiva who runs a tourist apartment, shared with FIFA that the Portuguese frontman had always been his idol.

As a result, “He’s a huge source of inspiration,” commented Boltaboev. “Every child, every young person, wants to be like him.” At previous editions of the FIFA World Cup, he would always support Portugal because of Ronaldo. “But this year I can support my own country,” he commented, beaming with pride. “Being at the World Cup for the opening time is a monumental milestone. It was so hard to imagine; we had waited, as well as dreamt about this for so long.”

Building on that, uzbekistan are one of four debutants at this year’s competition, along with Cabo Verde, Curaçao, as well as Jordan. Coached by 2006 FIFA World Cup™ winner with Italy, as well as 2006 Ballon d’Or recipient Fabio Cannavaro, Uzbekistan lost 3-1 to Colombia in their opening bout in North America. Portugal are up next, before the White Wolves conclude their group-stage campaign against Congo DR.

“We knew these were going to be very difficult contests, but the important thing is that we’re here, experiencing the spirit of the World Cup. I hope this is the opening of many,” commented Sanjar Azizov, who was born in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, in 1987. Azizov, who works for a Central Asian travel agency, was at the iconic Mexico City Arena to watch Uzbekistan’s defeat to Colombia unfold from the stands.

“It’s a feeling you can’t put into words,” he commented. “The happiness, as well as pride we all felt brought people to tears. This was our dream for so long, but now it’s reality – a dream come true.” Azizov used to support Brazil or Spain on football’s ultimate stage. He admits that he “never, ever” thought he would see his nation feature at the global showpiece.

The only bittersweet note is that his father, It was who who delivered away three years ago, was not there to share such a unique, as well as unexpected moment of joy. He also believes that the White Wolves’ achievement has helped put Uzbekistan, a country that is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination, on the map. “We’re experiencing a tourism boom,” he commented. “The country is full of people from all over the world.” Azizov explained that football is now “the number one sport in the country, alongside boxing”.

Uzbek football is on an upward curve, with growing domestic interest matched by stronger results, as well as greater international recognition. In 2023, Uzbekistan knocked out England in the Phase of 16 at the FIFA U-17 World Cup™, while the Under-20 side were crowned Asian champions on home soil in that same year. In 2024, the country made its bow at the Men’s Olympic Football Competition in Paris; last year, the senior national It was side who secured the CAFA Nations Cup, defeating IR Iran in the showpiece. Next year, Uzbekistan will co-host the FIFA U-20 World Cup™ together with Azerbaijan.

Shokhrukh Tojiev, another young man from the capital, commented he previously supported Germany, as well as England at FIFA’s flagship men’s event. “Being at the World Cup is very special,” commented the Tashkent native. “It’s a great experience, an opportunity to pit ourselves against the best stars in the world. The side was criticised for years for not qualifying for the World Cup, as well as for not developing good stars. Now we have a great rearguard star, good midfield men, as well as a good striker. It’s unbelievable – these stars are shining a spotlight on Uzbekistan.”

Football supporters in Uzbekistan may still be divided in the all-time great debate between Messi, as well as Ronaldo, but a new generation is emerging in shirts bearing the names of homegrown heroes such as Manchester City rearguard star Khusanov, Istanbul Basaksehir winger Fayzullaev, as well as their side-mates. The heroes they once looked for abroad are now emerging at home. “Young people are showing more, as well as more interest in football, and new pitches, as well as academies are cropping up all over the country,” Azizov explained. “Everyone wants their son to be like Khusanov.”