Every element of football, and not just the national team, is developing organically,
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said during a televised interview, highlighting structural reforms and youth integration across the Central Asian nation.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the trajectory of football development in Uzbekistan, pointing to advances in youth academies, women’s football, referee training, and sporting infrastructure, uzdaily.uz reported.
Infantino Outlines Growth Across All Football Sectors in Uzbekistan
Speaking on the television program Tahlilnoma on Uzbekistan 24 during an official visit to Uzbekistan, Infantino stated that he regularly visits the country and witnesses changes in the sport year after year. The head of FIFA described Uzbekistan as one of the major football hubs in Central Asia and Asia in general.
Infantino highlighted his close relationship with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, crediting state-level policy support for fueling the sport’s expansion. According to the FIFA president, the nation’s progress extends far beyond its national team, encompassing youth academies, women’s football, referee training and infrastructure.
Mirziyoyev and FIFA Leadership Discuss Strategic Infrastructure Projects
A central pillar of the discussion involved preparations to host major global fixtures under FIFA governance. Both leaders also discussed accelerating the launch of a FIFA regional office in Tashkent.
During the same day of meetings, Infantino participated in grassroots community development by opening a newly constructed football pitch at Tashkent School No. 90, established under the FIFA Arena project, according to podrobno.uz.
Uzbekistan Qualifies for World Cup and Hosts U-20 Tournament
Reflecting on international competition, Infantino revisited the senior national team’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He described the milestone as a historic achievement built upon consistent development of youth and national squads, noting that he personally observed the team on the world stage and witnessed widespread regional support for the squad from fans.
Looking ahead on the international calendar, Uzbekistan is scheduled to host the FIFA U-20 World Cup next year alongside co-organizer Azerbaijan, podrobno.uz noted. Infantino emphasized that hosting the youth tournament will provide an international platform for emerging prospects before they become world stars.
The tournament will utilize matches distributed across two host cities in each participating country, serving as a bridge between countries and continents. Infantino also noted the country’s capability to manage large international sports competitions, drawing a parallel to the successful organization of the 46th World Chess Olympiad.
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