Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup rivals invest $100million to create largest stadium in country’s history

Uzbekistan plan to build a new 55,000-seater national stadium after qualifying for the World Cup.

The Asian nation will make their debut at the tournament next summer in a group which features Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Portugal.

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Ahead of their appearance in North America, president Shavkat Mirziyoyev has approved a proposed new stadium.

A project expected to cost $100million (£74million) will see the ground become the largest in the country’s history.

The Pakhtakor Stadium is currently the biggest in Uzbekistan with a capacity of 35,000.

It has served as the national team’s home ground alongside the Milliy Stadium, with both located in the capital city Tashkent.

The new stadium will also be built in the city as part of the ‘New Tashkent’ urban area, described as a ‘city of the future’.

Announcing the plans, president Mirziyoyev said: “The foundation we are laying today is the basis for our victories tomorrow.”

The new stadium will be designed to meet FIFA standards as they prepare to co-host the Under-20 World Cup.

Uzbekistan will stage the tournament alongside Azerbaijan in 2027.

It is hoped that the new national stadium will be completed in time to serve as the centrepiece for the event.

Stadiums must have a capacity of at least 50,000 in order to host the semi-finals and finals, according to FIFA’s regulations.

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Uzbekistan also plan to add further transport links, hotels and health services in ‘New Tashkent’ to cope with the increase in fans attending matches.

The news comes after a historic period of success for the national team across the past 18 months.

Having made their debut at last summer’s Olympic football tournament in France, the White Wolves are also the current Asian champions at under-17 level.

However, their qualification for the 2026 World Cup has been the crowning achievement.

Their qualification has helped the national team climb to 50th in the FIFA World Rankings.

Uzbekistan will make their first-ever appearance at the finals in Canada, Mexico and the USA.

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This month’s draw saw the side paired with Portugal and Colombia in group K.

They will be joined by the winner of the inter-continental play-off path involving New Caledonia, Jamaica and DR Congo.