55,000-seat football stadium to be built in New Tashkent (video)

On November 11, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for a major sports facility in New Tashkent – a modern football stadium. The President’s press service reported on the event.

Currently, there are 75 large stadiums and 302 mini-stadiums operating across the country.

Back in 2017, Uzbekistan had only three football fields meeting the standards of FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation. Today, their number has increased to more than ten.

Recently, a modern National Football Center was completed in the Yukori Chirchik district. Over 65,000 young athletes are training at football schools. Coaches from prestigious international clubs, along with specialists in sports medicine and pharmacology, have been recruited to work at these schools.

A system has been established to scout football players from the local neighborhood level. Special incentives have been introduced, and mini football fields have been created in 70 percent of more than 9,000 neighborhoods.

In addition, football fields at 1,500 schools have been renovated, covering more than one million students and neighborhood youths. Traditional neighborhood, district, regional, and national tournaments have been introduced for young players.

Talented youths who perform well in competitions are admitted directly to football schools.

“Our Olympic football team participated in the Paris Olympics for the first time last year. For the first time in our history, our national team secured a place in the World Cup next year. Currently, our under-17 players are representing the country in Qatar as Asian champions,” the President said.

Today, 20 Uzbek footballers playing for top international clubs have a combined transfer value exceeding 60 million dollars.

“During his recent visit to Uzbekistan, FIFA President Gianni Infantino closely reviewed our attention to football, the infrastructure we have developed, and the reforms in our management system, praising the significant changes in the sport. In our candid discussions, he emphasized that international football’s confidence in our country is steadily growing and that Uzbek football has reached the level of Asia’s leading nations,” said Mirziyoyev.

On October 2 this year, the FIFA Council decided that Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan will co-host the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

The matches of this World Cup will take place across three stadiums in each country. FIFA requires that final and semi-final matches be held in stadiums with a capacity of more than 50,000.

“For this reason, we are launching an important project for our country’s football – the construction of the New Tashkent Stadium. Why was New Tashkent chosen for this $100 million stadium? Because it will become the center of new opportunities and advanced ideas for our country in the future,” said the President.

All projects in New Tashkent are being developed based on a concept that combines modern architecture with national values, focusing on ecological sustainability and smart management. The new stadium will follow the same principles, integrating “green energy,” smart management, and a comfortable environment.

The New Tashkent Stadium will fully comply with FIFA standards and will be one of the largest and most modern football facilities in Asia.

“This facility will not only serve the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup but also contribute to the development of Uzbek football and youth sports over the next decade. Hosting a World Cup among young players is another sign of the international community’s confidence and respect for Uzbekistan,” the report added.

A special state program will be implemented to prepare for the championship. Relevant ministries will be tasked with responsibilities in infrastructure, transport, hotels, medical services, and volunteer management.

“The foundation stone we are laying today represents the result of our work and the basis of tomorrow’s victories. I am confident that this large facility will inspire young people, serve as a symbol of pride for our nation, and be a great gift for millions of football fans in our country,” the President said.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev placed a time capsule at the foundation of the New Tashkent Stadium, officially launching its construction.