Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Photo: Press service of the President of Uzbekistan
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has launched the construction of a football stadium in New Tashkent, placing a capsule in the foundation of the future sports facility. According to the presidential press service, the project will cost $100 million.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony held on November 11, the head of state highlighted several achievements in Uzbek football. He noted that in recent years, national championships have undergone reform, youth academies have been established, and 75 large and 302 mini-stadiums are now operating across the regions. The country currently has more than ten football fields that meet high international standards.
Mirziyoyev recalled that the National Football Center recently opened in the Yukorichirchik District of the Tashkent Region. Today, more than 65,000 young athletes are training in specialized schools, assisted by coaches and medical professionals from leading foreign clubs.
A nationwide player selection system has been created, starting at the mahalla (community) level. Incentives have been introduced, and mini-fields have been set up in 70 percent of mahallas. School stadiums have been renovated, bringing over one million students into the game. Local, district, and regional tournaments are held regularly.
According to Mirziyoyev, these efforts have borne fruit. For the first time in history, the national team participated in the Paris Olympics and qualified for the World Cup. Meanwhile, the under-17 team is representing Uzbekistan at the world championship as the reigning Asian champion.
The president added that 20 Uzbek players now play for top international clubs, with a combined transfer value exceeding $60 million. He paid special tribute to Manchester City defender Abduqodir Khusanov, calling him the most valuable footballer in Asia.
During his visit to Uzbekistan, FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the country’s commitment to football, as well as the reforms in management and development systems, noting that Uzbekistan is now among the powerhouses of Asian football.
Mirziyoyev announced that FIFA has decided to hold the 2027 Under-20 World Cup in Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. Several stadiums will need to be prepared for the tournament, as international regulations require the final matches to take place in a stadium with a capacity of at least 50,000 spectators.
“That is why we are beginning construction of this vital facility for Uzbek football — the stadium in New Tashkent,” the president said.
He emphasized that the location was chosen deliberately, as New Tashkent is being developed according to a unified concept combining modern architectural approaches with national values, focusing on sustainability and “smart management.” The new stadium will be built in the same spirit.
Mirziyoyev expressed confidence that the arena will become a driving force for the development of Uzbek football and youth sports for decades to come.
