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Jun 17, 2026 Major2
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Uzbekistan's captain Masharipov cut from World Cup squad 24 hours before Colombia opener
Uzbekistan cut forward Jaloliddin Masharipov, the team's number 10 and a key player, from its World Cup 2026 squad less than 24 hours before its opening match against Colombia due to a back injury and lack of match fitness. Ruslanbek Jiyanov was called up as his replacement.
Quick Facts
Who
Jaloliddin Masharipov
What
Masharipov cut from World Cup squad
When
Wednesday, 17 June 2026
Where
Azteca Stadium, Mexico City
- Masharipov cut from World Cup squad
- Jiyanov called up as replacement
- Back injury and lack of match fitness cited as reasons
- Uzbekistan vs Colombia Group K match scheduled
- Jaloliddin Masharipov
Uzbekistan made a last-minute roster change on the eve of its World Cup 2026 debut, cutting 32-year-old forward Jaloliddin Masharipov due to a back injury. The decision came less than 24 hours before the team's Group K opener against Colombia on Wednesday, June 17, at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium. Coach Fabio Cannavaro replaced Masharipov with 25-year-old Ruslanbek Jiyanov of Navbahor Namangan.
Masharipov, who wore the number 10 jersey as Uzbekistan's captain, had been sidelined for an extended period before the tournament. The Uzbek Football Federation stated that the player had not participated fully in training sessions, and despite medical efforts to rehabilitate him, he was deemed unfit for competition. The medical team determined that recovery within the available timeframe was not possible, prompting Cannavaro's decision.
The 32-year-old midfielder has been a key player for Uzbekistan's national team, boasting 11 goals and 11 assists across 73 appearances. Masharipov gained international prominence during his time at Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr, where he famously ceded his number 7 shirt to Cristiano Ronaldo and developed a friendship with the Portuguese star. He currently plays for Iran's Esteghlal club. Jiyanov, his replacement, has three goals and one assist in 11 matches this season for his domestic club.
Uzbekistan will face Colombia on Wednesday at 23:00 Brazilian time, with the match broadcast on TV Globo, SporTV, Globoplay, Bandeirantes, and CazéTV. The team shares Group K with Colombia, Portugal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Why This Matters
This last-minute squad change highlights the precarious balance between tournament ambition and player fitness management at the World Cup. For Uzbekistan, losing a veteran captain and playmaker 24 hours before their debut significantly impacts team morale and tactical flexibility in a competitive Group K alongside Colombia and Portugal. The decision underscores how injuries can derail tournament plans and forces coaches to make high-stakes calls with minimal preparation time.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 17, 2026
WireUzbekistan announces Masharipov's withdrawal from World Cup squad due to injury
Jun 17, 2026
WireRuslanbek Jiyanov officially called up as replacement
Jun 18, 2026
WireUzbekistan vs Colombia Group K match scheduled to begin at Azteca Stadium