Uzbekistan World Cup 2026: football, Group K and travel ideas

Players walk out to the pitch at Mexico City Stadium during FIFA World Cup 2026

Last factual check:

⚽ FIFA World Cup 2026 · Uzbekistan’s first appearance · Group K · travel ideas for Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva

Uzbekistan World Cup 2026: football, Group K and travel ideas

Uzbekistan’s World Cup debut has introduced the country to many football fans. Here is the short version of the team’s Group K story, the Colombia result, the next fixtures, and how to turn that curiosity into a real trip along the Silk Road.

Note: CAJ.UZ arranges travel in Uzbekistan. We do not sell official FIFA match tickets.

In brief: The national team is playing at the FIFA World Cup for the first time. They are in Group K with Colombia, Portugal and DR Congo. Colombia won the opening match 3–1 in Mexico City, where Abbosbek Fayzullaev scored the country’s first World Cup goal. For travellers, the best first route is usually Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara; with more time, add Khiva.

Quick facts

  • Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026.
  • Debut: first appearance at the tournament.
  • Group: Group K — Colombia, Portugal, DR Congo and Uzbekistan.
  • Opening match: Colombia 3–1 Uzbekistan, Mexico City Stadium.
  • Historic moment: Uzbekistan’s first World Cup goal was scored against Colombia.
  • Travel focus: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Silk Road architecture, trains, guides and hotels.
Uzbekistan football team posing for a pre-match team photo
Team photo. The lineup, with a number 10 shirt held in front.
Uzbekistan football players celebrating on the pitch
On the pitch. Players celebrating together.
Uzbekistan supporters cheering in the stands
Supporters. Fans in national colours in the stands.
Two Uzbekistan football players embracing after a match moment
Team moment. Two players embracing after a match moment.
Uzbekistan staff member giving instructions from the touchline
Touchline. Instructions from the technical area.

Uzbekistan World Cup 2026 Group K fixtures

Dates and kickoff times may appear differently by time zone. Use the official FIFA fixture page before making football-specific plans.

MatchStatusVenueTravel note
Uzbekistan vs ColombiaCompleted — Colombia won 3–1Mexico City StadiumA historic national-team debut.
Portugal vs UzbekistanScheduled — 23 June 2026Houston StadiumCheck FIFA for the confirmed kickoff time.
DR Congo vs UzbekistanScheduled — 27 June 2026Atlanta StadiumFinal group match.

First match: Colombia 3–1 Uzbekistan

The opening game ended in a 3–1 defeat to Colombia in Mexico City, but the night still gave the country a landmark moment: its first goal at a FIFA World Cup. The result matters for football history, and it also raises a simple travel question for new readers: what is the country like beyond the team?

Result

Colombia won 3–1

The opening game was played in Mexico City. The team continues against Portugal and DR Congo.

Milestone

First World Cup goal

Abbosbek Fayzullaev scored the national team’s first goal at the tournament.

Where is Uzbekistan?

Uzbekistan is in Central Asia. It borders Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. Tashkent is the capital and the main international arrival point for many travellers.

The classic cultural route connects Tashkent with Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. These cities are known for Silk Road architecture, tiled madrasahs, old trading domes, local food and train journeys across the country.

Travel ideas for fans discovering Uzbekistan

First visit

7–8 days: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara

A strong first route with the capital, major Silk Road monuments, bazaars and train travel.

Classic route

10–12 days: Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand

The best option when you want the full historic route and a more comfortable pace.

Short stay

4–5 days: Tashkent and Samarkand

Good for travellers with limited time or a regional trip that also includes Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan.

How CAJ.UZ can help

A good trip here is mostly about logistics: the right route, reliable train tickets, sensible hotels, local guides and enough time between cities.

NeedWhat we arrangeUseful link
First itineraryPrivate and group tours across the countryUzbekistan tours
City planningGuides in Tashkent and Samarkand, with Bukhara and Khiva added on longer tripsTashkent guide · Samarkand guide
TransportTrain tickets, transfers and domestic logisticsUzbekistan train tickets
Entry rulesPractical visa information before bookingUzbekistan visa information

Why plan with a local operator

  • Local control: CAJ.UZ coordinates guides, vehicles, hotels and trains from Uzbekistan.
  • Clean itinerary: the route is built around real travel times, not just a list of monuments.
  • Clear scope: the football story introduces the country; the service we provide is travel inside Uzbekistan.

Questions about Uzbekistan World Cup 2026 and travel

Did Uzbekistan qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026?

Yes. The 2026 tournament is the national team’s first appearance at a FIFA World Cup.

Which group is Uzbekistan in?

Group K includes Colombia, Portugal, DR Congo and Uzbekistan.

What happened in Uzbekistan’s first match?

Colombia beat Uzbekistan 3–1 in Mexico City. Abbosbek Fayzullaev scored Uzbekistan’s first World Cup goal.

When are Uzbekistan’s next group matches?

Uzbekistan are scheduled to play Portugal on 23 June 2026 in Houston and DR Congo on 27 June 2026 in Atlanta. Check FIFA before relying on kickoff times.

Does CAJ.UZ sell FIFA World Cup tickets?

No. CAJ.UZ does not sell official FIFA match tickets. We arrange tours, hotels, guides, trains and transfers inside the country.

Where is Uzbekistan?

Uzbekistan is in Central Asia. Tashkent is the capital, and the most famous travel route usually includes Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.

Is Uzbekistan worth visiting after the World Cup?

Yes, especially for travellers interested in Silk Road architecture, historic cities, local food, bazaars and train journeys.

How many days should I plan for a first trip?

Four or five days can cover Tashkent and Samarkand. Seven to eight days adds Bukhara. Ten to twelve days gives enough time for the classic route with Khiva.

Plan a trip to Uzbekistan

Send us your travel idea

  • Approximate travel month and number of days.
  • Number of travellers and preferred hotel level.
  • Route preference: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva or a custom plan.
  • Guide language, train questions and visa questions.

Interested after the World Cup?

Send your dates and travel style. CAJ.UZ will suggest a practical route with hotels, guides, trains and transfers.

Phone / WhatsApp: +998 90 922 30 73

Uzbekistan tours
Tashkent · Samarkand · Bukhara · Khiva
Tours
CAJ.UZ ● AI Travel Assistant