President meets with national football team

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with the players and coaching staff of the Uzbekistan national football team, veterans of the sport, and representatives of the wider sports community.

The Head of State emphasized that the national team’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup, to be held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, marks a historic milestone for the nation.

Uzbekistan's football fans had been waiting for this day for 34 years. In every match, the members of the national team took to the field with a strong sense of responsibility, patriotism, and belief in victory, opening a new chapter in the history of football in the country.

The President expressed gratitude to the footballers, their parents who raised and nurtured them, as well as their mentors and coaches.

“Our footballers can rightfully be called the heroes of our time, having opened a new page in the history of Uzbekistan. They have brought immense joy to the people,” the Head of State said.

He noted that the success of the national team has generated a powerful wave of inspiration not only in the sports sphere, but throughout society as a whole. Today, the footballers have become a true example for young people, interest in sports has grown even further, and figures of literature and the arts, entrepreneurs, and the wider public continue to draw inspiration from this historic achievement.

In recent years, large-scale work has been carried out in our country to develop sports, particularly football. Over 200 major sports facilities and around 4,000 private sports clubs have begun operating across the regions. Sports grounds have been built in more than 1,500 mahallas. A modern Olympic Village has been created in the capital, while the National Football Center has begun operations in the Yukorichirchik district. Professional football academies and football schools have been established in every region.

As a result of these efforts, the number of football enthusiasts has reached 5 million. More than 1.3 million people regularly play football, while the number of professional footballers has reached 17,000.

The Head of State emphasized that the establishment of an open and transparent system in football, along with the eradication of negative practices such as corruption and nepotism, has opened the way to professional sport for talented young people.

At the meeting, particular attention was devoted to the widespread development of football at the mahalla level, transforming it into a platform for educating young people and promoting a healthy lifestyle, discipline, and patriotism.

A decision was made to launch the Every Mahalla – a Football Pitch programme, which will be granted nationwide movement status.

As part of the programme, a Mahalla League will be established, with mahalla football teams formed for boys and girls aged 12 to 17. Competitions among amateur footballers will be held annually at the mahalla, district, regional, and national levels.

The Mahalla League will serve as an important platform for professional clubs in identifying the most talented players. Every child will be given the opportunity to play football in their mahalla, participate in competitions, and realize their potential.

Special recognition was also given to the work of the national team’s coaching staff led by head coach Fabio Cannavaro.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted Fabio Cannavaro as a specialist with extensive experience in world football. In 2006, as captain of the Italian national team, he became a FIFA World Cup champion and, later that same year, was named the world’s best footballer and awarded the Ballon d’Or.

The coaching staff is introducing new standards in players’ physical preparation, discipline, tactical approach, and attention to every detail. In team play, the role of modern football elements such as proper positioning, high pressing, ball control, and rapid counterattacks is being strengthened.

The President congratulated Fabio Cannavaro on his first participation in the FIFA World Cup as a coach and wished the coaching staff continued success.

The Head of State emphasized that there would be no easy matches at the World Cup, where the national team is set to face Portugal, Colombia, and Congo. At the same time, he noted that the footballers have already made history, and that it is now important for them to take to the field without unnecessary pressure and defend the honor of the Motherland with full dedication.

During the World Cup matches, the team will be supported in the stadiums by fan clubs, thousands of supporters, and compatriots living in America.

“Our nation believes in you, and the President believes in you. Take to the field with confidence, play from the heart, and defend the honor of the Motherland with dignity,” the Head of State said.

The meeting was held in a warm and sincere atmosphere. The national team was wished a successful performance at the World Cup, new victories, and good luck.