FIFA World Cup frenzy and national pride in Uzbekistan - BBC World Service

For the first time in its history, Uzbekistan has qualified for the FIFA World Cup, a landmark achievement that has spread football fever across the nation. Click here to subscribe to our channel 👉🏽 https://bbc.in/3VyyriM As the country embraces the global game, increased investment and a renewed focus on grassroots development are transforming football into a golden opportunity, opening doors for boys and girls across Uzbekistan and raising the country's profile on the world stage. The BBC's Rayhan Demytrie reports on how this historic breakthrough represents more than a sporting success. It reflects a wider national transformation, as football fuels pride, unity and a growing sense of possibility across the country. 00:00 A nation gripped: Uzbekistan’s football fever 00:45 In the bazaar: Where modernity meets tradition 01:58 The investment transforming Uzbek Football 03:12 Tragedy and memory: The 1979 plane crash 04:40 On the road to Syrdarya 06:18 Uzbekistan’s global star 07:51 The unifying power of football 09:29 Breaking barriers: Women’s football in Uzbekistan This video contains the following extracts of Uzbek music by kind permission of Ohang.uz: Lazgi Dutorchilar Ud Saraxbori Dugoh Taronasi Tamanno Alpomish va barchinoy Find more of the best BBC World Service documentaries you can watch in less than 30 minutes here ➡️    • Documentaries under 30 minutes | BBC World...   ---------------- This is the official BBC World Service YouTube channel. If you like what we do, you can also find us here: Instagram 👉🏽   / bbcworldservice   Twitter 👉🏽   / bbcworldservice   Facebook 👉🏽   / bbcworldservice   BBC World Service website 👉🏽 https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldserviceradio Thanks for watching and subscribing! #BBCWorldService #WorldService #fifaworldcup #uzbekistan #worldcup2026