Uzbekistan's World Cup debut marked by Abbosbek Fayzullaev's historic first goal

Uzbekistan made its first appearance at a FIFA World Cup in Mexico City, facing Colombia in the Group K opener. In the 60th minute, 22‑year‑old forward Abbosbek Fayzullaev scored the nation's inaugural World Cup goal, briefly equalising before Colombia restored the lead. The goal set a statistical record as the shortest player (167 cm) to score a header in a World Cup match in the 21st century, according to Opta.

The team, coached by former Italian captain Fabio Cannavaro, entered the tournament after finishing in the top two of Asia’s third qualification round. Captain Eldor Shomurodov led a squad that also featured veteran players and rising talents. Following the match, Premier League club Liverpool confirmed they are monitoring Fayzullaev, who currently plays for Turkish side Istanbul Başakşehir after a £7 million transfer from CSKA Moscow.

The debut underscores Uzbekistan’s rapid football development since independence, a trajectory highlighted in a recent op‑ed tracing the sport’s roots to the historic Kokand club founded in 1912. The World Cup appearance represents a milestone for Central Asian football and an expanding scouting footprint for European clubs.