World Chat with… Utkir Yusupov

For the first episode of World Chat, we looked for a definite guest. Someone who could tell us a truly unique story, a dream that, at least in Europe, still hasn’t been voiced. So, as our first visitor, we opted for a goalkeeper from a national team that, by qualifying for the next World Cup, has made history not only for its own country, but also for an entire region. In fact, Uzbekistan is the first and only Central Asian team ever in the competition. And they’ll arrive in America with a suitcase full of dreams and pride.

Hi, Utkir! First of all, what does this unbelievable experience mean to your people and with which spirit will you face the challenges of the World Cup, featuring big teams full of champions?

«This is an historic moment for our country and all Central Asia. We carry the hopes of our people with pride and will face every challenge with heart, unity and belief».

Do you feel like an ambassador for the region of Central Asia, which had never been represented in the torunament, or more like a dreamer trying to let people know about your pride?

«I see myself as both – an ambassador for our region and a dreamer showing that with hard work, dreams can come true».

Let’s go back to the qualifications: how did you feel during the deciding match agains Qatar?

«It was an unforgettable night,  full of emotion and pressure. I felt the weight of our nation’s hopes, but I managed to stay focused in every moment. In those situations, you can’t think too much: you just trust your preparation, your teammates, and your heart. That’s how I kept calm and gave my best».

This incredible success came after 43 matches for the national team, making you a veteran. In your opinion, what are the best qualities of the modern goalkeeper? Who is the best, and what skills would you steal from him?

«Experience has taught me that a modern goalkeeper must be calm, smart, and good with the ball at his feet — not just a shot-stopper but a leader who starts the play. Right now, I really admire Ederson for his composure and passing. If I could steal one ability, it would be his vision with the ball. I strongly believe that in the future, goalkeepers will keep evolving into complete players — almost like an extra defender who builds the game from the back».

If you could go back in time and tell your younger self everything you achieved in the last months, how would he react? Did he dream to be a leader in the World Cup?

«I think the younger me wouldn’t have believed it — he would’ve just smiled and kept dreaming on that small pitch in Uzbekistan. Playing for my country and leading the team to the World Cup has always been a dream, but living it now feels even bigger. It shows that with faith, discipline, and love for the game, nothing is impossible».

How did your Federation manage to build around younger players, building a fast-growing team?

«The keys are belief and hard work. In Uzbekistan, young players grow up with passion, discipline and a strong will to prove themselves. That spirit is what drives our success».

Can you tell us about a young, unknown talent that has a bright future?

«There are many talented young players in Uzbekistan, but one name to watch is Abbosbek Fayzullaev. He has great potential, strong mentality, and a bright future ahead».

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