Arshavin Names Visit to Uzbekistan Fans' Section as Highlight of 2026 World Cup

Former Zenit Saint Petersburg and Arsenal footballer Andrey Arshavin has described attending a match alongside Uzbekistan fans at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the most vivid moment of his trip to the tournament. Arshavin, who is now a vice-chairman of Zenit's board, attended the game between Uzbekistan and Colombia at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The match, a Group Stage opener, ended in a 3-1 victory for Colombia.

In an interview with Sport-Express, Arshavin recounted his experience of leaving the VIP area to join the Uzbekistan supporters in the stands. "The brightest impression was going to the stand where the Uzbekistan fans were during the match with Colombia. First of all, it was very loud: drums, songs. Secondly, they were chanting my name and performing songs by 'Leningrad'. That’s what I remember most of all," Arshavin said. He also noted the impressive atmospheres created by fans from Mexico and Colombia.

Regarding the level of football on display early in the tournament, Arshavin urged patience. He explained that due to the expanded 48-team format—where the top two teams from each group advance, along with the eight best third-placed teams—many top sides are still finding their rhythm and conserving energy. "I wouldn't say any strong football impression has been made yet—the teams are still easing into the tournament. The leaders understand that even third place can get you out of the group. I’m not saying they aren’t trying, but they aren’t pushing to the maximum either," he stated.

Arshavin, who also attended matches in the United States, expressed admiration for the U.S. and German national teams. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, began on June 11 and will conclude on July 19. As of June 23, six teams—Mexico, the United States, Germany, France, Norway, and Argentina—had secured their places in the Round of 16, while Haiti, Turkey, Tunisia, and Jordan had been eliminated. Matches scheduled for later that day included Portugal vs. Uzbekistan in Houston, Texas, and England vs. Ghana in Foxborough, Massachusetts.