Who says dreams don't come true? Khusanov's Uzbekistan reach World Cup for first time

Uzbekistan have qualified for their first World Cup ever after a goalless draw with the United Arab Emirates on Thursday. They will make their maiden WC appearance at the expanded 48-team tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026.

The hosts have qualified automatically, while Uzbekistan joins Japan, New Zealand, Iran, and Argentina in earning their spot. Their only internationally known player is Abdukodir Khusanov, Manchester City's defender, who led his side to a successful qualification for the next global showpiece.

Interestingly, Uzbekistan are also the first and only double land-locked country to qualify for a World Cup.

The closest Uzbekistan came to qualifying was during a controversial 2006 campaign. They were in a two-legged playoff against Bahrain to determine who would be the Asian Football Confederation's representative to face Concacaf's Trinidad and Tobago. The winner of that match would then qualify for the finals in Germany.

Uzbekistan won the first leg 1-0, but a refereeing error led to FIFA ordering the match be played again, and they ultimately lost out on away goals.