Uzbekistan collected four points after two matches. Ahmadjon Musaev’s side clinched a 3-0 victory over New Zealand and played a 1-1 draw against Croatia.
According to the tournament rules, two top teams qualify to the last 16. Four teams from six groups, which take third places, also advance to play-offs.
Teams of Groups A, B and D played all three matches of the group stage. Ghana of Group A and Mexico of Group D finished on the third places in their groups with three points after three matches. This automatically sends Uzbekistan to play-offs.
Uzbekistan advanced to play-offs of the FIFA U-20 World Cup despite it played in two tournaments. Previous teams collected just one point from six matches. Ahmadjon Musaev’s side re-wrote history, recording the first victory and advancing to the maiden play-offs.
Uzbekistan will hold its last match of the Group F on 29 June. Uzbekistan will face group favourites Uruguay.