Uzbekistan embrace long-term vision ahead of historic World Cup debut
TASHKENT: Uzbekistan will step onto football’s biggest stage next year for the first time, but the nation’s focus is firmly on building for the future rather than chasing immediate results. Speaking to Reuters, Uzbekistan FA Vice-President Ravshan Irmatov said the country views their long-awaited World Cup qualification as a milestone in a much larger journey.
Irmatov, who officiated at three World Cup finals in his distinguished refereeing career, described the qualification as a dream achieved for an entire nation. “Qualifying for the World Cup has been a dream for 38 million people for 34 years,” he said. “You can understand how important it was for the Uzbek nation, we waited so long.”
With excitement at home reaching new heights, Irmatov stressed the need for calm and balance as Uzbekistan prepares for its debut. “We must enjoy the World Cup. This is our first time and you cannot put a high target or high goal because it puts pressure on the players and the coach,” he added. “They have to be very calm, prepare well and then the results have to come.”
As Uzbekistan embarks on this historic chapter, the emphasis remains on steady growth, experience, and laying a strong foundation for the nation’s footballing future.
