Former Italian World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro, now head coach of Uzbekistan, has announced a preliminary 40-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup training camp. Domestic players, including goalkeeper Abduvokhid Nematov, are set to begin preparations this weekend for the tournament, which kicks off on June 11 in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Overseas-based players and those recovering from injuries will join the camp later.
The most valuable player in Cannavaro’s squad is Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov, 22, who is valued at €35 million. The center-back has been a regular for Uzbekistan since mid-2023, earning 25 caps, and is expected to be a key member of the final 26-man roster if fit. Following Khusanov in market value are Basaksehir’s attacking duo: captain and forward Eldor Shomurodov and midfielder Abbosbek Fayzullaev, both at €7 million.
Uzbekistan will compete in Group K at the World Cup, facing Colombia (June 18, 04:00 CET), Portugal (June 23, 19:00 CET), and DR Congo (June 27, 01:30 CET). Before the tournament, Cannavaro’s side will play two friendlies: against hosts Canada (June 2, 03:00 CET) and the Netherlands (June 8, 18:45 CET).
