Uzbekistan’s chances at the World Cup assessed

The potential and chances of the strongest national teams that have qualified for or are likely to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been evaluated. ESPN analyzed the prospects of 87 national teams ahead of the tournament.

The assessment was based on two main criteria: the teams’ recent performances and the market value of their players.

According to the ranking, the French national team, led by Didier Deschamps, claimed the top position. France’s expected attacking trio for the upcoming World Cup — Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, and Ousmane Dembélé — has an average market value of €127 million, according to “Transfermarkt.” Having won the World Cup in 2018 and lost on penalties in the 2022 final, France is now preparing for the 2026 tournament with an even stronger and more talented squad.

European champion Spain took second place, while England — one of the first European teams to secure World Cup qualification — completed the top three. The reigning World Cup champion, Argentina, ranked seventh on the list.

The Uzbekistan national team, coached by Fabio Cannavaro, ranked 53rd in ESPN’s evaluation. Among Asian teams, Japan led the way in 25th place, recording the highest regional result. South Korea (42nd), Australia (45th), and Iran (48th) were also placed ahead of Uzbekistan.

It is worth noting that earlier reports confirmed that Uzbekistan will be placed in Pot 3 for the 2026 World Cup draw.

                                                                 Diyor Toshpulatov