Uzbekistan qualified for its debut soccer World Cup on Thursday night, becoming the first ever Central Asian country to make it to the sport’s global showpiece.

The Central Asian country of almost 40m inhabitants has come close before, but now can finally celebrate reaching its first World Cup

Which teams are in the World Cup? Which ones have close to qualifying? Breaking it all down, region by region.

Abdukodir Khusanov played the full 90 minutes as Uzbekistan completed their World Cup qualification campaign with a 3-0 defeat of Qatar on Tuesday. The 21-year-old defender was solid and reliable as Azizbek Turganbaev, Eldor Shomurodov and Igor Sergeev scored the goals in Tashkent.

Australia qualified for its sixth straight World Cup on Tuesday with a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia. The Socceroos, needing just to avoid defeat by five goals to advance to the 2026 tournament, came from behind with goals from Connor Metcalfe and Mitchell Duke to win after Abdulrahman Al Oboud had put the hosts ahead after 19 minutes.

Get real-time updates on Uzbekistan vs Qatar live coverage minute by minute of the match, score and result online, stream information, how to watch, TV channel, lineups, latest updates and time of Third Round - Group A in World Cup 2026 Qualifiers with VAVEL.

Uzbekistan coach Timur Kapadze lauded the efforts of his players after the Central Asian country qualified for the World Cup for the first time.

Roma striker Eldor Shomurodov is going to the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico, as Uzbekistan have qualified for their first ever World Cup.They have officially booked their spot at the