Uzbekistan and Jordan have officially qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the very first time in their history. Both nations secured their place in the 2026 edition, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
They are now the eighth and ninth teams to confirm their spots in the expanded 48-team tournament. These two sides join the three host countries, along with Japan, New Zealand, Iran, and Argentina, who have also qualified.
Historic Day for Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan played out a goalless draw (0-0) against the United Arab Emirates, which was enough to seal their place in the World Cup. This marks the end of a long journey for the country, which has come close several times in the past.
Ranked 57th in the world, Uzbekistan has a population of over 36 million. They played their first official match as an independent nation in June 1992, following the breakup of the Soviet Union. They became a member of FIFA two years later, in 1994.
Their most painful moment came during the 2006 World Cup qualifiers. Uzbekistan were playing a two-legged playoff against Bahrain, aiming to become the Asian representative in a final qualification round against Trinidad and Tobago from CONCACAF.
Uzbekistan won the first leg 1-0, but a refereeing error led FIFA to order the match to be replayed. Eventually, the Uzbeks were knocked out on away goals, a result that remains one of the most controversial episodes in Asian football history.
Despite that setback, Uzbekistan have consistently performed well in the AFC Asian Cup. They have qualified for every edition since 1996 and have reached the knockout stage in every tournament since 2004. Their best result came in 2011, when they reached the semi-finals.
They also made it to the quarter-finals in the most recent edition of the Asian Cup, proving themselves as a strong force in the region.
Jordan Reach the World Stage
Jordan also made history by qualifying for their first-ever World Cup. Their 3-0 win against Oman played a crucial role in sealing their spot. That result, combined with other outcomes on the day, was enough to guarantee them a place in the 2026 tournament.
Jordan are currently ranked 62nd in the world and have a long footballing history. They began their World Cup qualification journey back in 1986 and have taken part in seven qualifying campaigns so far.
Their closest attempt before this came in 2014, when they reached an intercontinental play-off against Uruguay. Jordan lost that two-legged tie, falling just short of reaching the World Cup in Brazil.
However, Jordan have enjoyed success in the Asian Cup. They were runners-up in the most recent edition, showing significant improvement and consistency on the continental stage.
Their team has shown strong organisation, good technical skill, and the ability to handle high-pressure games. These qualities will be essential as they prepare for their first appearance on football’s biggest stage.
A New Chapter for Asian Football
The qualification of Uzbekistan and Jordan marks a new chapter in Asian football. As the 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams instead of 32, more nations have the opportunity to shine on the global stage.
For both Uzbekistan and Jordan, qualifying for the World Cup is not just about sport. It is a moment of national pride and a chance to inspire future generations of footballers.
Their fans, who have waited for decades, now have something to celebrate. The road to North America begins now, and both teams will be looking to prepare well and make a strong impact when the tournament begins in June 2026.