Abdukodir Khusanov has pace to burn but even he couldn't have dreamt how quickly his career would take off. Barely three years on from taking his first steps in senior football with Energetik-BKU in Belarus, he has joined Manchester City, played in the Champions League, impressed Pep Guardiola and won two trophies. Now the poster boy and leading light for his country is poised for an historic World Cup.
Uzbekistan are making their tournament debut and Khusanov represents the emerging nation's burgeoning talent pool which has seen them win continental trophies at youth level, qualify for the Olympic football tournament and now reach the biggest stage of all.
The feeling in the central Asia country is that this is just the beginning for a national team that has World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro in charge and an array of promising young talent alongside a number of experienced veterans.
Testing Group but High Hopes
Uzbekistan have been handed a testing group with Portugal, DR Congo and opening opponents Colombia representing a stiff task. But the prospect of three sides progressing to the knockout stages has fuelled belief that the White Wolves could escape the group and the improving standards, facilities and playing pool in Uzbekistan means many feel they will become World Cup regulars over the coming years.
"With the World Cup expanding to 48 teams, I think they will be a consistent qualifier and they should make the subsequent 2030 and 2034 tournaments," says Connor Bowers, who runs UzbekFootball on X. "I'd be shocked if they didn't because of the talent pool they have coming through at youth levels."
"Their youth teams are competitive on the continent, and that's trickled through because you see players like Khusanov, who went from being part of those successful youth teams to being established in the national team, and that will only continue."
Investment in Football Infrastructure
"The standard of football within the domestic league is far higher than it was even five years ago in terms of infrastructure. It's been five-10 years of investment within youth development, stadiums, and the league."
Football in Uzbekistan has benefitted from investment from China and in manager Cannavaro they have one of the most decorated defenders of all time leading them into their debut World Cup. The Italian, who took charge last October, hasn't changed much in terms of the style or squad - Uzbekistan will play three at the back- and his influence has been more on the mental side. There is a belief that they can challenge teams even if there are concerns over athletic and physical ability to match the likes of Portugal and Colombia for 90 minutes.
Khusanov's Role and Rising Stardom
Khusanov is an integral part of the team and by far the most recognisable player, a leading light for now and the future, who is given the space to play his own game without the pressure of being a leader given the experience elsewhere in the side.
"He doesn't have to be a leader because the team as it is now, it's not old, but it's experienced," added Bowers, who is from Scotland but started following football in Uzbekistan a decade ago on the back of his team Arsenal being linked with Uzbekistan player Odil Ahmedov and is now a respected voice on the country.
"So you have players who've got 50+ caps who will be playing there, and they will take the leadership role. His centre back partner in this tournament has got 50 caps so I think Khusanov can be who he is at City."
In Uzbekistan the games will be played early in the morning and there will be viewing parties for supporters to watch the historic fixtures. Boxing, MMA and wrestling are popular sports in a country of 38 million people but there is a passionate football fanbase, particularly in the Fergana Valley, and the sport is growing fast. Khusanov is a major reason why.
"It's got room to grow within the country and you're starting to see that with the impact of having someone from their country play on such a platform as playing for Man City in the Premier League," concludes Bowers.
Cannavaro's Praise for Khusanov
Khusanov has impressed Guardiola with his ability and willingness to learn and Cannavaro has been similarly captivated by the youngster.
"He is certainly one of the most representative players of the national team, a leader to follow despite being only 22 years old—a kind of compass pointing the way," said the World Cup winner. "He is young, among other young players who are pushing hard to emerge. The talent is there; now it must be developed."
