Roma striker Shomurodov takes Uzbekistan to first ever World Cup

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Susy Campanale | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 2:41 PM ET

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 competition thanks to a 0-0 draw in the United Arab Emirates this evening.

It guaranteed second place in Group A of the AFC section in qualifying, behind Inter forward Mehdi Taremi’s Iran.

This is the first time that Uzbekistan have ever managed to qualify for a World Cup competition and is a huge moment in the history of the nation.

Uzbekistani history made by Shomurodov

Shomurodov became the first player from Uzbekistan to work in Serie A, joining Genoa in 2020, then going on to represent Roma, Spezia and Cagliari.

He scored seven goals with five assists in 37 competitive appearances for Roma this season, helping them qualify for the Europa League and finish fifth in Serie A.

Shomurodov is the captain of Uzbekistan and has 41 goals in 81 senior caps for his country.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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