Uzbekistan football reforms target 2027 Asian Cup victory

Uzbekistan is intensifying its football reforms ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup, which the nation hopes to host and win. Under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the government has increased funding for new academies, youth programs, and infrastructure, introduced VAR technology, and digitised the sport’s administration. The reforms have produced a generation of players competing abroad, such as defender Abduqodir Husonov at Manchester City, forward Muhammadali Urinboyev at Antwerp, and striker Elton Shomurodov in Turkey. The country also secured the right to host the U‑17 Asian Championship, signalling confidence from international bodies in Uzbekistan’s facilities. Celebrating the 35th anniversary of independence, officials view the upcoming tournament as a test of the reforms’ effectiveness and a chance to showcase Uzbekistan as a rising football nation.