sports
Uzbekistan Prepares Nationwide Viewings for World Cup Debut Match
Schools, offices and public spaces across Uzbekistan are setting up viewing areas for the national team's opening match against Colombia at 7 a.m. local time Thursday. The country marks its first appearance at a FIFA World Cup.
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Schools, offices and public spaces across Uzbekistan are installing large screens and organizing group viewings ahead of the national football team's opening match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. m. local time Thursday in its first World Cup appearance. Officials have designated 208 schools to host public screenings for students, parents, teachers and residents.
In the capital Tashkent, fan zones have been set up in all 12 districts. A venue at Bunyodkor Stadium can accommodate up to 10,000 spectators. Businesses are also arranging early-morning gatherings. Malik Karimov, Chief Marketing Officer at Korzinka, said staff will watch together before starting work.
"In the heart of every Uzbek, this is a matter of pride and honour," Bahrom Aminov, representative of the Ministry of Education, told Euronews. Karimov said the company produced official merchandise so supporters across regions can show support for the team. He added that many organizations are planning similar early viewings.
Content creators and fans across Central Asia have posted messages of encouragement on social media. Uzbekistan is grouped with Colombia, Portugal and DR Congo. The team is coached by Fabio Cannavaro, appointed in October 2025. Supporters described qualification itself as a significant milestone.
