Uzbekistan is going to its first-ever FIFA World Cup — and the entire nation will be making history. After decades of near-misses in Asian qualification, the White Wolves have finally broken through. MTRK (state TV) and Uzreport TV broadcast matches free. The marquee Portugal clash at 22:00 UZT is perfect prime time, while the Colombia opener and Congo DR closer require early-morning dedication.
Where to Watch: Free and Paid
- Uzreport TV — Major sports broadcaster in Uzbekistan. All Uzbekistan matches plus selected other fixtures. Also streams online
- MTRK Uzbekistan — State television. Free coverage of Uzbekistan national team matches
- beIN Sports — Available via satellite for broader coverage of all 104 matches
How to Start Watching
MTRK Uzbekistan (Free — Uzbekistan Matches)
- Live TV: State TV channels via terrestrial broadcast and satellite across Uzbekistan
- Availability: Free nationwide — no subscription required
- Commentary: Uzbek-language commentary
Uzreport TV (Uzbekistan Matches + Selection)
- Live TV: Uzreport TV channel via cable and satellite operators
- Streaming: Uzreport TV online platform
- Commentary: Uzbek-language commentary with pre-match and post-match analysis
- Coverage: All Uzbekistan matches plus selected group-stage and knockout fixtures
When to Watch: Kickoff Times in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan uses UZT (UTC+5) year-round with no daylight saving time:
| US Kickoff (ET) | Local Time (UZT) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| 11:00 AM ET | 20:00 UZT | Evening — great |
| 2:00 PM ET | 23:00 UZT | Late evening — fine |
| 5:00 PM ET | 02:00 UZT (+1 day) | Deep night — tough |
| 8:00 PM ET | 05:00 UZT (+1 day) | Pre-dawn — very tough |
Group K Schedule (Uzbekistan time):
| Match | Date / Local Time | City |
|---|---|---|
| Uzbekistan vs Colombia | June 18, 07:00 UZT | Mexico City |
| Uzbekistan vs Portugal | June 23, 22:00 UZT | Houston |
| Uzbekistan vs Congo DR | June 28, 04:30 UZT | Atlanta |
The Portugal match at 22:00 UZT is the dream slot — prime-time evening viewing for the biggest game in Uzbekistan’s football history. The Colombia opener at 07:00 is an early-morning start, and the Congo DR closer at 04:30 demands serious pre-dawn commitment.
Must-Watch Matches
- Final — July 19, MetLife Stadium. 01:00 UZT
- Semifinals — July 14-15
- Uzbekistan vs Portugal — June 23, 22:00 UZT. The showpiece match — Uzbekistan vs Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal under prime-time lights
- Uzbekistan vs Colombia — June 18, 07:00 UZT. The historic first-ever World Cup match for Uzbekistan. Wake up and witness the dawn of a new era
Making History
- First ever: Uzbekistan has never appeared at a FIFA World Cup. For a nation of 36 million passionate football fans, this is the culmination of decades of dreams
- Near-misses: Uzbekistan came agonizingly close in 2014 and 2018 qualifying, losing in the final rounds. 2026 is the breakthrough
- Asian Cup pedigree: Consistent performers at the Asian Cup, Uzbekistan have long been considered the best Asian team never to reach a World Cup — until now
- Football-mad nation: Football is by far the most popular sport in Uzbekistan, with Pakhtakor Tashkent one of the most storied clubs in Central Asian history
Watch Culture
- Tashkent gathering spots: Chorsu Bazaar area and Amir Timur Square will be packed with fans watching on outdoor screens
- Choyxona (tea houses): Traditional Uzbek tea houses across the country will set up screens — expect packed houses for the Portugal match especially
- Samarkand and Bukhara: Historic cities will organize fan zones combining football viewing with cultural celebrations
- Uzbek diaspora: Large communities in Russia, South Korea, Turkey, and the US will organize watch parties
- National pride: Football has become a source of enormous pride for modern Uzbekistan — qualification has been celebrated as a national achievement
FAQ
Can I watch Uzbekistan’s World Cup matches for free? Yes. MTRK Uzbekistan (state TV) provides free coverage of Uzbekistan matches. Uzreport TV also broadcasts matches with free-to-air options.
Is this Uzbekistan’s first World Cup? Yes. Uzbekistan has never qualified for a FIFA World Cup before. The 2026 tournament is their historic first appearance.
What time do Uzbekistan’s matches kick off locally? The Portugal match is at 22:00 UZT (prime time). The Colombia opener is at 07:00 UZT and the Congo DR closer at 04:30 UZT — early mornings.
Where can I stream the World Cup in Uzbekistan? Uzreport TV offers online streaming. For all 104 matches, check Uzreport TV’s digital platforms for full coverage details.