Speaking ahead of the November 14 match in Doha, Shomurodov emphasized that the team’s top priority is reaching the World Cup, and he believes their chances are strong. “If we manage to beat Qatar, our chances will improve even further,” he said. “We’re fully focused on getting those three points.” He also noted the importance of widening the gap over Qatar in the group standings, saying, “Qatar is right behind us in the standings. We must do everything we can to keep them from closing in. Winning this game is crucial.”

Uzbekistan’s head coach Srečko Katanec, who missed recent matches against Iran and the UAE due to health issues, has rejoined the team for their training camp in Doha, bolstering the squad ahead of this key encounter.

The match against Qatar will kick off at 9:15 p.m. in Doha, followed by another away game against North Korea. After four matches in Group A, Uzbekistan currently sits in second place with 10 points, just behind Iran, which leads the group on goal difference. The UAE and Qatar both have 4 points, Kyrgyzstan has 3, and North Korea is last with 2 points.

In this third round of Asian qualifiers, 18 teams are divided into three groups of six. The top two teams in each group will directly qualify for the 2026 World Cup, while the third and fourth-placed teams will compete in a fourth round for two remaining automatic spots and an intercontinental playoff berth. This qualification phase began on September 5, 2024, and will conclude on June 10, 2025.