Urozov's International Football Career: From Youth Success to World Cup Debut
The rise of Urozov within the Uzbekistan national football system is a testament to steady progression and high-level performance. From his early days in the youth ranks to making history on the world's biggest stage, Urozov has established himself as a vital asset for his country.
Youth Team Progression
Urozov's international journey began in June 2022 when he debuted for the Uzbekistan U19 Youth Team, appearing in two friendly matches against Belarus. His rapid development led to a call-up for the Uzbekistan U20 Youth Team in September 2022, where he featured in two full matches against Slovakia.
The turning point in his youth career came in March 2023 during the AFC U-20 Football Championship. Making his tournament debut on March 1 against Syria, Urozov helped his team secure first place in their group. The team's momentum continued into the playoffs, where they defeated Australia in a penalty shootout on March 11, 2023. This victory was doubly significant, as it advanced the team to the semi-finals and secured a qualification ticket for the 2023 FIFA World Youth Championship.
After defeating South Korea in a semi-final penalty shootout on March 15, Urozov and his teammates reached the final. On March 18, 2023, Uzbekistan defeated Iraq to be crowned winners of the AFC U-20 Football Championship.
Global Experience at the World Youth Championship
Following the continental success, Urozov was called up for the FIFA World Youth Championship in May 2023. He played every match of the tournament, starting with a clash against Argentina on May 20. Uzbekistan finished second in their group to advance to the knockout stages, where their journey ended on May 30 following a loss to Israel in the round of 16.
Transition to the U23 Squad
In March 2024, Urozov moved up to the Uzbekistan under-23 youth team, debuting on March 20 in a friendly against China. He continued to find the net at this level, scoring his first U23 goal on July 22, 2025, against Saudi Arabia. By September 2025, he played a key role in the qualifying matches for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup, successfully helping the team qualify for the main tournament.
Senior National Team and World Cup History
Urozov made his official debut for the Uzbekistan senior national team on March 27, 2026, during a FIFA Series match against Gabon. It was a landmark debut, as he scored his first senior international goal in a 3–1 victory at the Bunyodkor Stadium in Tashkent.
His consistent form earned him a spot in the 26-man squad selected by head coach Fabio Cannavaro for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This tournament marked the first-ever appearance of Uzbekistan in the World Cup. Urozov made his tournament debut on June 18, 2026, entering the match against Colombia as a substitute in the 77th minute.
Key Facts
- AFC U-20 Champion: Won the AFC U-20 Football Championship on March 18, 2023.
- World Cup Pioneer: Part of the first Uzbekistan squad to ever compete in the FIFA World Cup (2026).
- Versatile Youth Career: Represented Uzbekistan at U19, U20, and U23 levels.
- Senior Debut Goal: Scored against Gabon on March 27, 2026.
Career Summary Table
| Level/Tournament | Key Achievement | Date/Year |
|---|---|---|
| Uzbekistan U19 | International Debut (vs Belarus) | June 2022 |
| AFC U-20 Championship | Tournament Winner | March 2023 |
| FIFA World Youth Championship | Round of 16 Participant | May 2023 |
| Uzbekistan U23 | AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualification | September 2025 |
| Uzbekistan Senior Team | Debut and First Goal (vs Gabon) | March 27, 2026 |
| 2026 FIFA World Cup | Debut (vs Colombia) | June 18, 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Urozov win the AFC U-20 Football Championship?
Urozov won the championship on March 18, 2023, after Uzbekistan defeated Iraq in the final.
Which coach selected Urozov for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
He was selected as part of the 26-man squad by head coach Fabio Cannavaro.
When and against whom did Urozov score his first senior international goal?
He scored his first senior goal on March 27, 2026, in a 3–1 win against Gabon during the FIFA Series.
How far did Uzbekistan go in the 2023 FIFA World Youth Championship?
The team reached the 1/8 final stage (round of 16), where they were eliminated after a loss to Israel on May 30, 2023.
What was Urozov's role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Colombia?
Urozov appeared as a substitute, entering the match in the 77th minute on June 18, 2026.