Fresh off a morale-boosting 1-0 win over Iran, Qatar will look to carry that momentum into today’s final group stage match against newly-qualified Uzbekistan in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
The match at Bunyodkor Stadium in Tashkent marks another key test for new head coach Julen Lopetegui, who began his tenure with a vital result that secured Qatar’s place in the fourth round of the qualifiers – where an additional two spots to the World Cup will be at stake.
With one eye on October’s next phase, the Spaniard has challenged his players to show consistency and character against an Uzbek side riding high after qualifying for their first-ever FIFA World Cup.
“We are very excited to face Uzbekistan for the first time,” Lopetegui said in the pre-match press conference on Monday. “It’s an important competitive match and a real test to measure our readiness for what’s to come. Winning tomorrow will be a step toward our next goal — qualifying for the World Cup.”
“We are required to continue playing high-quality football and controlling the flow of play. I am confident in the players' ability to do their best and demonstrate the value of the work that preceded the match. Everyone is determined to perform at their best," he added.
Lopetegui was quick to acknowledge the strength of the opposition, adding: “We are aware of the strength of tomorrow’s match against Uzbekistan, which is one of the best teams in Asia. We must do our utmost and perform at our best.”
Veteran midfielder Abdulaziz Hatem echoed the coach’s sentiments, stressing the importance of the fixture in maintaining momentum. “Our preparations were good following the important win over Iran. Tomorrow’s match will be an important test in our preparation for the next round, so we must take it very seriously,” said Hatem. “Our matches against Uzbekistan are always intense and exciting, and we expect the same tomorrow.”
While Qatar prepare for the long road ahead, Uzbekistan are in celebration mode after sealing qualification to the World Cup with a game to spare. A party-like atmosphere is expected at the Bunyodkor Stadium, when Uzbekistan take the field today and the home fans will want their team end the campaign with victory.
Last Thursday's qualification was greeted with joy as Uzbekistan ended their long wait to appear on the global stage, with head coach Timur Kapadze applauding his players for getting across the finish line despite the immense pressure.
"We overcame a lot of pressure. Before the game, fans, sports websites and experts expressed their confidence in our team's victory and expected a good result from us. This confidence also became a great responsibility and pressure for us. But we managed to overcome this pressure and complete the task,” he said.
"For the next match, we will prepare adequately although several players who have not featured much may be given the chance to play," Kapadze added, with there still being a possibility of Uzbekistan topping the group with a win should Iran lose to North Korea.
