Sports
FIFA 2026: Uzbekistan Celebrates First-Ever World Cup Qualification
Uzbekistan has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in the nation’s history, following a goalless draw against the United Arab Emirates on Thursday.
The result, which came with one qualifying match left to play, was enough to seal Uzbekistan’s place in the 2026 tournament, set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Celebrations erupted across Tashkent, with fans expressing overwhelming joy. “I cannot convey my feelings. I am very, very happy — for the first time in 34 years the Uzbekistan national team has reached the World Cup,” said 36-year-old entrepreneur Otabek Khaydarov.
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The achievement marks a major milestone for a country that only began competing internationally in the 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
It also highlights the steady rise of football in a region more traditionally associated with combat sports.
The team’s success is partly attributed to football reforms initiated at the national level. Ravshan Khaydarov, coach of Uzbekistan’s under-23 side, pointed to government involvement as a key factor.
“Presidential decrees adopted to reform football five or six years ago marked the beginning of a process that is still ongoing,” he said.
Khaydarov also credited FIFA-supported infrastructure projects. “The construction of new stadiums and training centres… has been crucial,” he added.
Uzbekistan’s qualification comes during the first World Cup cycle to feature 48 teams, an expansion that has provided new opportunities for emerging nations. Still, officials insist that Uzbekistan’s progress is the result of deliberate development and planning.
The squad’s journey has been led by centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov, striker Eldor Shomurodov, and winger Abbosbek Fayzullaev. Khusanov, now a Manchester City player following a $45 million move earlier this year, has become a fan favorite back home, with jerseys bearing his name being sold in local markets.
Shomurodov plays in Italy for Roma, while 21-year-old Fayzullaev, who represents CSKA Moscow, was named Asia’s best young player in 2023.
Many believe Fayzullaev could be the next major Uzbek export to European football, with comparisons already being made to PSG’s Champions League-winning winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Former national team player and current coach Azamat Abduraimov praised the team’s style.
“The strength of Uzbek football lies in the combination of play, technique, passing and attacking,” he said. “We have always had good strikers and creative, technical midfielders. But we lacked success because we were weak in defence.”
With Khusanov’s emergence, that weakness appears to have been addressed.
Uzbekistan’s youth teams have already tasted success, winning the Asian U17 and U20 championships, and the country is set to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Looking to the future, Coach Khaydarov remains optimistic. “It is important to have a systemic approach to identifying talent and selecting the best players who will become famous.
“The world will know Uzbekistan thanks to our national team,” he said. “Our dream is to see Uzbek players in the best European clubs.”
For fans, the dream is already becoming a reality. “I would like to have strong opponents at the World Cup, I know at that there will be no weak ones there,” said supporter Otabek.
Sports
‘I Play Like Mahrez’ – Brighton’s Nigerian Wonderkid Yohanna Sends Message to Premier League Fans
New Brighton & Hove Albion signing Zadok Yohanna has revealed that he models his game after Algerian star Riyad Mahrez, while naming Lionel Messi and Michael Olise as his favourite footballers.
The 18-year-old Nigerian midfielder recently completed a high-profile move from Swedish side AIK Stockholm to Brighton in a deal reportedly worth €28 million, with an additional €2 million in performance-related bonuses.
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Speaking about the players who inspire him, Yohanna said Messi remains his all-time favourite, while Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise is currently one of the players he enjoys watching the most.
“My favourite player is Lionel Messi and I think right now I like Michael Olise. I also play like Riyad Mahrez,” Yohanna said.
The former Ikon Allah FA player has earned recognition for his flair, dribbling ability and creativity, qualities that have led many to compare his style to that of the former Manchester City winger.
According to the teenager, the comparison with Mahrez is one he has heard repeatedly from his former teammates in Nigeria.
“My teammates in Nigeria call me Riyad Mahrez; they say I dribble and play like him rather than Lamine Yamal or Olise,” he added.
Mahrez is widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest footballers, having won the Premier League title with Leicester City before enjoying a trophy-laden spell at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.
Yohanna’s admiration for Olise also reflects his preference for inventive attacking players.
The French international enjoyed an impressive campaign with Bayern Munich last season and is considered one of Europe’s brightest young talents.
Brighton moved quickly to secure Yohanna’s signature following his breakthrough season in Sweden, where he emerged as one of AIK Stockholm’s standout performers.
The transfer reportedly made him the most expensive player ever sold by a Swedish club.
The Nigerian youngster has signed a five-year contract with the Seagulls and is expected to begin preparations for his first Premier League campaign ahead of the new season.
With comparisons to Mahrez and inspiration drawn from Messi and Olise, Yohanna will be hoping to make a similar impact as he embarks on the next chapter of his promising career in England.
World football governing body FIFA is facing growing scrutiny after authorities in the United States opened an investigation into allegations of ticket pricing exploitation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The probe, announced by officials in New York and New Jersey, will examine whether FIFA engaged in unfair pricing strategies, including alleged “impossibly high” ticket costs, misleading seat allocations, and dynamic pricing models that push prices higher as demand increases.
According to prosecutors, the investigation aims to determine whether fans were unfairly treated during the ticket sales process or misled about what they were purchasing.
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New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport described the ticketing system as confusing and exploitative, saying it has turned access to World Cup matches into what she called a “gauntlet of confusion and fake scarcity.”
Her New York counterpart, Letitia James, also expressed concern over rising ticket prices and accessibility, stressing that football supporters deserve transparency and fairness in the sales process.
The controversy has intensified ahead of the tournament kickoff on June 11 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with the final scheduled to be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
Beyond ticket prices, fans have also raised concerns about additional match-day costs, including expensive transportation and parking fees, further increasing the financial burden of attending games.
The investigation adds to mounting pressure on FIFA as global criticism grows over the commercialisation of major football tournaments and the affordability of attending matches for ordinary supporters.
Authorities in other US states have also reportedly raised concerns, suggesting the issue could be more widespread across the tournament’s hosting arrangements.
Strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), GTI Asset Management and Trust Limited, have joined millions of football fans across Nigeria and the diaspora in congratulating Rangers International FC of Enugu for emerging champions of the 2025/2026 NPFL season.
In a statement issued on Monday, GTI’s Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, praised the Flying Antelopes for securing their ninth league title, describing the achievement as a reflection of resilience, consistency, and the club’s rich football heritage.
He also commended the NPFL Board led by Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye for its sustained efforts in repositioning Nigerian football through the creation of a more competitive and commercially attractive league structure capable of restoring fans’ confidence and attracting wider national and international interest.
“The just concluded NPFL season will go down in history as one of the most competitive and exciting campaigns ever witnessed in Nigerian football, with the title race extending to the final day before a winner eventually emerged.
“For GTI, this is a landmark victory for Rangers International and a proud moment for Nigerian football. Winning the league title for the ninth time and equalling the record held by Enyimba FC is not only a testament to the club’s quality and tradition, but also a clear indication of the growing competitiveness of our elite league.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all 20 clubs that participated in the just concluded season, including those that secured continental tickets and those unfortunately relegated. Next season presents another opportunity for every team to improve and compete more strongly.
“GTI will continue to partner with the NPFL as Nigerian football steadily progresses toward greater continental and global relevance, judging by the quality and excitement witnessed throughout the 2025/2026 season,” Ekejiuba stated.
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Following the conclusion of Matchday 38 fixtures, Rangers International finished top of the table with 68 points after securing a 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City FC in Lagos. Rivers United FC finished second with 67 points despite defeating Katsina United FC 3-0, as Rangers only needed a win to guarantee the title.
Ikorodu City’s defeat ensured that Shooting Stars retained third position with 60 points despite their loss to Niger Tornadoes FC.
Statistics from the season showed that a total of 772 goals were scored, with 287 wins recorded, including 45 away victories and 93 matches drawn. Godwin Obaje of Rangers International emerged as the league’s top scorer with 14 goals.
Meanwhile, former champions Remo Stars FC and El-Kanemi Warriors joined Bayelsa United FC and Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi as the four clubs relegated at the end of the season.
PHOTO CAPTION: Rangers International Football Club of Enugu players celebrating after emerging champions of the NPFL 2025/2026 season in Lagos at the weekend.
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