Sergeev urges Uzbekistan to move on after World Cup exit

Igor Sergeev has told Uzbekistan not to dwell on their World Cup exit, saying the team must use the experience to keep improving.

The striker reflected on the country’s first appearance at the tournament after elimination from the 2026 World Cup. He said the squad were unhappy with the result, but also proud to have reached the finals and seen football at the highest level.

Sergeev said he had told his team-mates not to “bow their heads” after the defeat. He added that the loss hurt the players, their families and people across Uzbekistan, but insisted the response must be to work harder and move forward.

He also said Uzbekistan knew the size of the challenge, pointing to matches against Portugal and Colombia and describing Congo as a well-organised side. The target had been to reach the knockout stage, but the team fell short.

Looking ahead, Sergeev said Uzbekistan must aim to qualify for future World Cups regularly and prove their first appearance was no one-off. He also said the country has the quality to compete for the Asian title.