Photo: Press service of the president of Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan’s national football team defeated Iran in the final of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 to claim the tournament trophy. The decisive match was held at the new stadium in Tashkent’s Olympic Town and was attended by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, according to the presidential press service.
The match was fiercely contested, with neither side able to score in regular time. Extra time seemed headed for a penalty shootout until the 120th minute, when Khojiakbar Alijonov headed in the winning goal after a cross from the flank. Uzbekistan triumphed 1–0, capturing the prestigious trophy for the first time.
The victory also ended a 13-year winless streak against Iran. In the inaugural CAFA Cup final in 2023, the same teams met, but Iran emerged victorious. This time, on home ground, Uzbekistan took revenge. The presidential press service emphasized the symbolic significance: stadiums built for future generations are already becoming arenas of glory.
President Mirziyoyev awarded the cup and gold medals to the team. FIFA President Infantino and other officials also took part in the ceremony.
Ahead of the final, Mirziyoyev and Infantino held talks on expanding cooperation between Uzbekistan and FIFA. Infantino congratulated the president on the historic achievement of the national team’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting it as a result of ongoing reforms and strong government support for sports.
Discussions touched on improving football governance, developing young talent, and training coaches, referees, and managers. The effective work of the FIFA-supported National Football Center in Uzbekistan was noted.
Mirziyoyev and Infantino agreed to open a FIFA regional office for Central Asia in Tashkent. The president also awarded Infantino the Order of Dostlik in recognition of his personal contribution to the development and promotion of Uzbek football internationally.
The CAFA Nations Cup 2025 was held in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan with eight national teams competing: the hosts, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Oman, and India.
