Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Uzbekistan national football team will qualify to the 2026 World Cup. This was stated by the head coach of the team Srečko Katanec.

Srečko Katanec commented on the results of the draw for the third round of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Based on the results of the draw, Uzbekistan will play in Group A with the teams of Iran, Qatar, UAE, Kyrgyzstan and North Korea. 

Srečko Katanec emphasized that all games will be difficult, since the teams are equal in strength.

The coach also noted the positive aspect that Uzbekistan found teams that were close from a logistics point of view, which would facilitate the preparation and holding of matches. 

According to him, Uzbekistan should begin preparing for the matches today.

Speaking about the first match in the third round of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, Katanec said that Qatar is a very good team, the last participant in the World Cup, and they have a long-established squad. 

“We respect them. However, the main focus is on us. I ask the fans to support the team as they did in the last game. If the fans support us, we will definitely get a good result,” he emphasized.

Srečko Katanec expressed confidence that the team will qualify for the World Cup, recalling that the Uzbekistan team has an unbeaten streak. 

He also pointed out the importance of match practice for players at their clubs and the need to avoid injury.