Eldor Shomurodov — Uzbekistan World Cup 2026 Squad

Career Highlights

Eldor Shomurodov has scored 28 goals in 62 appearances for Uzbekistan, making him the nation all-time top scorer by a margin of nine goals over Alexander Geynrikh. His goal against North Korea in June 2025 sealed Uzbekistan first-ever World Cup qualification — a moment that brought over 50,000 fans to Tashkent Bashorat stadium for the post-match celebration. He was named Uzbekistan Footballer of the Year in 2021 and 2024. At club level he scored 18 goals for Rostov in the 2020-21 Russian Premier League, finishing as the club top scorer and attracting Roma attention.

Club Career

Shomurodov began at Bunyodkor in Tashkent and moved to Rostov in 2020 for just €500,000. His debut Russian season produced 18 goals in 32 matches and prompted Roma to pay €18 million in 2021. At Roma he made 31 appearances in his first season but scored only once in Serie A, struggling to displace Tammy Abraham and later Andrea Belotti. Loan spells at Spezia in 2022-23 and Cagliari in 2023-24 yielded 5 and 6 league goals respectively. He returned to Roma in 2024 under Daniele De Rossi and found a niche as a reliable substitute, scoring 4 goals in limited minutes during the second half of the 2024-25 season.

International Career & World Cup History

Shomurodov debuted for Uzbekistan at 20 against Bahrain in 2015 and became a regular starter by 2018. He scored 6 goals in the 2019 Asian Cup as Uzbekistan reached the round of 16, where they lost to Australia on a last-minute goal. In the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign he scored 8 goals, including braces against Sri Lanka and that crucial winner against North Korea in Pyongyang. Uzbekistan had never qualified for a World Cup before, finishing as high as fourth in Asian qualifying on three occasions. Their 2026 qualification marks the culmination of a decade-long project to develop domestic talent.

World Cup 2026 Outlook

Uzbekistan arrive at their first World Cup with no pressure and nothing to lose — a dangerous combination. Shomurodov is the focal point of everything they do going forward, but he cannot carry the attack alone. Manager Timur Kapadze will use a compact 4-4-2 with Shomurodov partnering either Sardor Rashidov or Oston Urunov. The challenge is steep: Uzbekistan will face experienced opponents who will deny Shomurodov the space he thrives in. But in a tournament format, one moment can define a campaign, and Shomurodov has made a career of decisive goals in qualifying. His record in tight matches — 10 of his 28 international goals have been opening goals — suggests he will not shrink from the occasion.