Is Iran afraid of Uzbekistan? The Country's press analyzes Uzbek legionnaires

 The Iranian publication Football360 has published an article analyzing the legionnaires of the Uzbekistan national football team.  

The Uzbek national team currently has 10 legionnaires, two of whom play in Europe's top five leagues.  

In the eighth round of the third qualifying stage for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Uzbekistan will face Iran in Group A. Iran leads the group with 19 points, while the White Wolves are in second place with 16 points, closely trailing Amir Ghalenoei’s team.  

Uzbekistan has achieved significant success in recent years, with 10 out of its 26 current squad members playing abroad, each holding an important role in their respective teams.  

Uzbekistan's legionnaires  

- Iran (3 players): Utkir Yusupov, Jaloliddin Masharipov, Oston Urunov  
- Russia (2 players): Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Rustam Ashurmatov  
- Saudi Arabia (1 player): Otabek Shukurov  
- UAE (1 player): Khojimat Erkinov  
- Italy (1 player): Eldor Shomurodov  
- England (1 player): Abdukodir Khusanov  
- Azerbaijan (1 player): Bobur Abdukholikov  

Two Uzbek players currently compete in Europe’s top five leagues and play key roles in their teams. One of them is 21-year-old former Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov, who joined Manchester City during the winter transfer window and has become an important player under Pep Guardiola.  

In attack, Eldor Shomurodov leads the White Wolves. The 29-year-old Roma forward has regained his form and is once again delivering strong performances. He is regarded as the biggest threat to Iran’s defense.  

While Uzbekistan boasts two representatives in Europe's top leagues, Iran has only one—Mehdi Taremi. However, Taremi has been struggling at Inter Milan this season.  

Uzbekistan’s legionnaires in the starting XI  

Foreign-based players play a crucial role in Uzbekistan's starting lineup. In their recent match against Kyrgyzstan, seven of the starting 11 played outside Uzbekistan.  

Uzbekistan’s foreign-based players vs. Kyrgyzstan:  
- Utkir Yusupov (Fulad)  
- Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City)  
- Rustam Ashurmatov (Rubin)  
- Otabek Shukurov (Al-Fayha)  
- Abbosbek Fayzullaev (CSKA Moscow)  
- Jaloliddin Masharipov (Istiklol)  
- Eldor Shomurodov (Roma)  

Iran’s foreign-based players vs. the UAE:  
- Saman Ghoddos (Ittihad Kalba)  
- Mehdi Ghaedi (Ittihad Kalba)  
- Sardar Azmoun (Al-Shabab)  
- Mohammad Mohebi (Rostov)  
- Alireza Jahanbakhsh (Yerevan)  

All these factors suggest that Uzbekistan has gained valuable international experience. In the upcoming match against Iran, Srecko Katanec’s squad will put that experience to the test.