Kapadze: “We will try to win in front of our President and fans.”

On June 10, the Uzbekistan national team will face Qatar in the final match of the World Cup qualifying stage. Ahead of the game, head coach Temur Kapadze and team captain Eldor Shomurodov addressed the media at an official press conference held on June 9.

At the outset, Kapadze congratulated fans and the team on securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup following their victory over the UAE on June 5.

“We congratulate everyone on this victory. We are happy. A good match awaits us tomorrow. I think we are ready. We will play a beautiful game and please our fans,” Kapadze stated.

Speaking about the squad’s condition, Kapadze confirmed injury concerns:

“Oston Orunov has an injury. I think he will recover quickly. Otabek Shukurov also has a minor issue. We will see how he feels in training today. Everything else is fine.”

The head coach also revealed that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev may attend the match:

“Tomorrow, fans will come, and if we are lucky, our President will come. We will try to play beautifully in front of them and win.”

Kapadze expressed his appreciation for former head coach Srechko Katanec, acknowledging his contribution to the national team’s success:

“We have a good relationship with Srechko Katanec. Today we met at the hotel and congratulated each other. Of course, he also has a role to play. He worked with the national team for more than three years. So I thanked and congratulated him. It was great that he also joined the award ceremony. I am proud that we have such people.”

Team captain Eldor Shomurodov echoed the coach’s sentiments and shared his thoughts on the upcoming match:

“First of all, I would like to congratulate everyone on the historic result—our qualification for the World Cup. Tomorrow, God willing, there will be an interesting match. We intend to please all the fans with a beautiful victory. Of course, qualifying for the World Cup is a great result. But there was no time to celebrate it. Everyone is happy, and everyone understands what kind of achievement this is. We have one more match tomorrow—that is what everyone is dreaming about.”

The match between Uzbekistan and Qatar will take place on June 10 at 18:45 local time at the Bunyodkor Stadium in Tashkent. Following the game, members of the Uzbekistan Football Federation will receive official awards.