AGP Executive Report

World Cup Fallout: UEFA chief Aleksander Čeferin is facing a coordinated backlash after remarks that the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup creates “uninteresting” matches, with 13 federations including Uzbekistan issuing a joint statement saying every game matters for emerging nations. Uzbekistan in the Spotlight: Uzbekistan’s World Cup debut is also tied to broader fan and travel coverage, including guidance for Uzbek supporters heading to North America. Regional Diplomacy: Cyprus says it has mapped next steps with Central Asian partners after a tour, while a Kabul meeting will bring together research centers from Afghanistan and Central Asia (including Uzbekistan) to discuss connectivity, stability, trade, energy and transit. Trade & Economy: Egypt and Uzbekistan held talks aimed at boosting investment and trade, with textiles, pharmaceuticals and machinery among the sectors discussed. Sports & Culture: Uzbekistan’s presence in the tournament is part of a wider wave of global attention, from match watch parties to high-profile player stories ahead of kickoff.

World Cup Backlash: Thirteen World Cup federations, including Uzbekistan, Cape Verde and Curaçao, have jointly rejected UEFA chief Aleksander Čeferin’s reported claim that the expanded 48-team tournament will produce “completely uninteresting” matches, saying every fixture matters and qualification is a historic dream. Group-Stage Drama: In Dallas, the Netherlands and Japan played out a 2-2 draw, with Japan equalizing late through Daichi Kamada’s 88th-minute header after goals by van Dijk, Nakamura and Summerville. Uzbekistan in the Spotlight: Uzbekistan is listed among Group K teams, and the federation’s inclusion in the joint statement underscores how the new format is resonating beyond traditional football powers. Match Officials: FIFA named a Qatari refereeing team for Portugal vs DR Congo, with Group K also featuring Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan-Egypt Trade: Egypt’s investment and foreign trade minister met Uzbekistan’s foreign affairs minister in Cairo to discuss deeper cooperation in textiles, pharma, agriculture, and investment links.

World Cup Focus: The Netherlands kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Japan in Dallas, with Ronald Koeman saying Memphis Depay and goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen are fit to start, setting up a high-stakes Group F opener as both sides chase a top-two finish. Diplomacy & Trade: Uzbekistan and Egypt held talks in Cairo to expand economic cooperation, trade, and investment, including plans for an Egyptian-Uzbek chamber of commerce and a possible preferential free trade agreement. Investment Forum: Tashkent is set to host the V International Investment Forum (TIIF-2026) from June 16–19, aiming to attract major investors and launch large projects across Central Asia. Environment Finance: The GEF council meeting in Samarkand approved $232.5m in new funding and endorsed the $3.9bn GEF-9 plan for 2026–2030. Agriculture Cooperation: Malaysia and Uzbekistan agreed to deepen agri-food cooperation, including aquaculture, smart irrigation tech, and R&D. Weather Watch: Uzhydromet warns of hot conditions up to +38°C, with brief rains and thunderstorms possible later in the day in parts of Tashkent, Jizzakh, and the Fergana Valley.

World Bank Update: The World Bank lifted its 2026 GDP growth forecast for Uzbekistan to 6.4%, citing a stronger outlook than its January estimate, while warning global risks could still weigh on the region. Diplomacy & Trade: Egypt and Uzbekistan signed two MoUs in Cairo, including plans to set up a joint chamber of commerce and expand cooperation in areas like pharmaceuticals and broader investment links. Education Policy: Uzbekistan approved rules for transferring students from foreign and non-governmental higher education institutions to state universities, with an annual July 15–August 5 application window via my.gov.uz and clear grounds for rejection. Aviation & Tourism: Oman Air will launch a Muscat–Tashkent route from July 3 (twice weekly), boosting summer connectivity alongside other new regional links. Governance: Uzbekistan’s Senate sent the Tashkent International Financial Center bill back for major revisions over judicial and arbitration-related concerns. Sports (Uzbek link): Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova was beaten by Emma Raducanu at Queen’s Club, as Raducanu advanced after an injury scare.

World Cup Focus: Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, says he’s “physically fine” and urges Portugal to nail a strong start as they open Group K in Houston against DR Congo on June 17, then face Uzbekistan on June 23 and Colombia later in the group stage. Canada at Home: Cyle Larin’s 78th-minute equalizer earned Canada its first-ever World Cup point with a 1-1 draw vs Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto, with Alphonso Davies sidelined by a hamstring issue. Uzbekistan in the Spotlight: Uzbekistan is drawn into Group K alongside DR Congo and Portugal, setting up a key Houston clash on June 23. Regional Sports: In the AVC Women’s Cup, Chinese Taipei stunned Kazakhstan to reach the final, while South Korea survived Chinese Taipei in a five-set thriller to complete a Pool A sweep. Business & Trade: Uzbekistan’s push for investment and connectivity continues, including plans for the Tashkent Silk Road Finance & Technology Forum and new cross-border economic cooperation efforts.

One Health in Central Asia: A regional round of national consultations on “One Health” implementation wrapped up June 8–12, aiming to align Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan on pandemic prevention, food-system sustainability and ecosystem health ahead of the June 25 Regional Coordinating Council meeting. Uzbekistan Energy & Finance: Uzbekistan’s energy sector named new top executives across state power-grid and electricity procurement firms, while Central Bank data showed real deposit yields rising sharply in April 2026 despite a drop in nominal rates. Tourism Push: Uzbekistan’s decree for Samarkand expands summer incentives, including VAT refunds and airline route support, under a new “Open Tourism Season” program running June–August. World Cup, with Uzbekistan links: Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo said he’s fit and wants a strong start, with Uzbekistan listed as a key Group K opponent; meanwhile, Canada’s opening match vs Bosnia ended 1-1 with Cyle Larin scoring, and FIFA confirmed Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry to Canada for the tournament opener.

World Cup Opening in Mexico City: Shakira and Burna Boy led the Latin lineup as the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off with a ceremony at the Azteca Stadium (renamed Mexico City Stadium for the tournament), followed by the first match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa. Record-Setting Opener: Mexico beat South Africa 2-0, but the headline was discipline: three red cards in the game—two for South Africa (Sithole, Zwane) and one for Mexico (César Montes)—setting a World Cup opener record. Uzbekistan in the Spotlight: Uzbekistan was among the debut nations parading at the ceremony, and the tournament’s expanded format puts Uzbekistan in Group K action soon. Canada Squad Update: Ahead of Canada’s home opener vs Bosnia and Herzegovina, coach Jesse Marsch said defender Moïse Bombito is available, while captain Alphonso Davies is ruled out with a hamstring issue. Portugal Selection Watch: Roberto Martinez said he hasn’t finalized Portugal’s starting XI for their opener against DR Congo after a 2-1 warm-up win over Nigeria.

World Cup Kickoff: The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts today across the US, Canada and Mexico, with Mexico vs South Africa opening the tournament and 48 teams chasing the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium. Uzbekistan in Group K: Uzbekistan makes its World Cup debut, set to play Colombia and then face Portugal and DR Congo in Group K fixtures. US Security Checks: Uzbekistan’s Foreign Ministry has asked the US for clarification after enhanced screening of the Uzbek national team at a New York airport ahead of a match. Transport & Trade: Uzbekistan and South Korea are advancing plans for a high-speed Tashkent–Samarkand rail line, while Uzbekistan also looks to expand textile exports to Azerbaijan via new trade-showroom plans. Aviation Links: Qanot Sharq resumes regular flights between Uzbekistan and Israel from June 24, restarting Tashkent–Tel Aviv and Samarkand–Tel Aviv routes. Regional Security/Infrastructure: The Trans-Caspian Forum in Washington highlighted the Middle Corridor’s growing strategic role for energy and tech cooperation.

World Cup Kickoff: The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins June 11 with 48 teams and 104 matches across the US, Canada and Mexico, with Group-stage play running through June 27 and the final set for July 19. Uzbekistan in the Spotlight: Uzbekistan makes its World Cup debut and will base its camp in Atlanta at the Atlanta United training facility, while Group F includes Portugal, Colombia and DR Congo. Ronaldo Watch: Portugal beat Nigeria 2-1 in a warmup, but Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, missed several clear chances, keeping debate alive over his role. Group K Context: Portugal’s Group K opener is against DR Congo on June 17, with Uzbekistan and Colombia also in the group. Fan Guidance: Uzbekistan’s foreign ministry urged fans heading to the US and Mexico to follow entry rules, carry documents, use official transport, and avoid unsanctioned gatherings. Tourism Boost: Uzbekistan also logged a 37% jump in international arrivals in Q1 2026, reinforcing growing global interest as the tournament starts.

World Cup Spotlight: Uzbekistan’s World Cup debut is set to draw fresh attention as the 48-team tournament kicks off June 11, with Uzbekistan grouped alongside DR Congo and Colombia—while football coverage also keeps a close eye on player fitness and warm-up form. Investment & Trade: Uzbekistan is pitching itself as a regional investment hub, with the Tashkent Investment Forum 2026 in focus and new dealmaking momentum including a planned Uzbekistan–U.S. DFC joint investment platform. Regional Connectivity: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan moved to clear border bottlenecks, and Uzbekistan and China expanded customs broker cooperation to speed cross-border trade. Governance & Anti-Corruption: Anti-corruption inspectors are being embedded in every court, alongside moves to digitize the military draft system and cut red tape. Business Climate: Lawmakers are set to nearly double maximum land lease terms for foreign investors to 49 years. Labor & Rights: Uzbekistan and Belarus are forging a labor migration pact, and Uzbekistan signed a UNHCR cooperation plan for 2026. Tech & Industry: Uzbekistan is betting $30B on AI to transform mining, while Yandex Go launched in-app charity giving for teacher training.

World Cup Build-Up in Focus: Uzbekistan’s World Cup debut under Fabio Cannavaro is set in Group K, with the team opening against Colombia in Mexico City on June 17 and then facing Portugal in Houston and DR Congo and Congo in the group run-up. Injury Update: Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was substituted with a hip injury scare in a New York warm-up vs Uzbekistan; coach Ronald Koeman says examinations are needed, while Jurrien Timber is ruled out with a groin injury and Lutsharel Geertruida is called up. Immigration & Visa Friction: U.S. entry restrictions and security checks have sparked backlash, including reports of intensive inspections for Uzbekistan’s arrival in New York and broader criticism after Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry. DR Congo Disruption: DR Congo’s warm-up ended 2-1 to Chile in Orleans after Ebola concerns forced a venue switch; the team must also meet U.S. health rules before entering. Uzbekistan Domestic Watch: Tashkent rent held at $550 in May but listings fell 21%; two Tashkent tax inspectors were arrested in a $5,000 tender-bribery sting; customs seized $155k in undeclared Chinese goods in Fergana; and the government approved Zero Energy Building standards targeting gas-free public construction by 2040. Tech & Policy: Uzbekistan and the U.S. discussed an AI and cybersecurity partnership, while Uzbekistan advanced labor reform ties with the ILO and drafted a 2027–2033 social protection strategy with the World Bank and UNICEF.

World Cup Security Row: The US is drawing backlash after Senegal and Uzbekistan players faced “humiliating” checks ahead of the tournament, including drug-sniffing dogs, metal detectors, and searches shown on social media. Uzbekistan on the Pitch: Uzbekistan’s World Cup debut is set after a tense warm-up: the Netherlands beat them 2-1 with Cody Gakpo scoring twice from penalties, including a late winner after Igor Sergeyev’s stoppage-time equalizer. Group K Focus: Uzbekistan will open in Group K against Portugal and also faces Colombia and DR Congo, with the group framed as a mix of Portugal’s star power, Colombia’s return, and DR Congo’s underdog push. Investment Spotlight: Tashkent is preparing to host TIIF-2026 (June 16–19), positioning Uzbekistan as a Central Asia investment hub and highlighting the forum’s past scale and deal volume. Energy & Industry: Uzbekistan’s nuclear push continues as leaders move forward on building the country’s first nuclear power plant, with reported cost caps and licensing steps.

World Cup Warmups (Uzbekistan in focus): Uzbekistan’s debut World Cup run is already drawing attention after the Netherlands edged them 2-1 in a friendly in New York, with Cody Gakpo scoring twice via penalties. Squad News: The Netherlands also confirmed Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is ruled out of the 2026 World Cup due to a groin injury, with Lutsharel Geertruida called up. Uzbekistan in the spotlight (sports + community): Atlanta United will host a youth training session with the Uzbekistan national team ahead of the tournament, giving local groups a first look at the “White Wolves” as they prepare for matches in Georgia. Safety Alert (home front): Six people were killed and five injured in a liquefied gas station explosion in Kashkadarya’s Karshi district; authorities say a government commission is investigating. Energy & industry: President Mirziyoyev reviewed major copper projects, including progress on Almalyk’s Copper Concentrator Plant No. 3, and also discussed priorities for defense sector reforms and military education.

World Cup Build-Up: Uzbekistan’s debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is already drawing attention, with a Netherlands vs Uzbekistan friendly set for Monday at Icahn Stadium in New York (2:45 p.m. ET, FOX Soccer Plus/FOXSports.com). Group K Focus: Uzbekistan is grouped with Portugal, Colombia and DR Congo, where Cristiano Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup and Portugal’s form are being closely watched. FIFA Tournament Scale: The expanded 48-team World Cup runs June 11–July 19 across 16 stadiums in the US, Canada and Mexico, with 104 matches and a new round of 32. Uzbek Sports on the Court: In the AVC Women’s Cup, Alas Pilipinas fell to Australia in a five-set thriller, while Uzbekistan’s volleyball campaign also featured a win over Kyrgyzstan as teams chase semifinal spots. Uzbekistan in Business & Policy: A major Uzbekistan–Finland social protection study visit highlights education reform and digital public services, while Uzbekistan and Hong Kong continue pushing deeper economic ties and visa-free travel discussions. Energy Milestone: Russia and Uzbekistan have launched construction of Uzbekistan’s first nuclear power plant, a landmark for the country’s long-term energy plans.

Nuclear Power Push: Uzbekistan officially began construction of its first nuclear power plant in Jizzakh, with Mirziyoyev and Putin authorizing the first unit and IAEA chief Rafael Grossi attending as concrete was poured for an SMR-based project. Aviation Climate & Supply Crunch: IATA warned of a crippling backlog of 18,000 undelivered aircraft, while also praising Uzbekistan as a top supplier of eligible aviation carbon credits for CORSIA and launching a new alliance to expand the CORSIA carbon market. Housing & Construction Overhaul: Uzbekistan rolled out UZKAD, a unified digital housing registry for multi-apartment buildings, and will simplify construction services from 1 July under a “one application, one payment” approach. Finance & Markets: Central bank data showed microfinance lending up 17% in Q1 2026 and factoring services up 75%, while reserves fell in May to $70.58bn. Tech & Digital Cooperation: Hong Kong’s John Lee visited IT Park Uzbekistan, and Uzbekistan and Russia discussed AI, data centers, e-government and cross-border data exchange. Sports (Uzbek angle): Uzbekistan’s Maria Timofeeva won a WTA 125 title in Croatia.

Nuclear Power Push: Uzbekistan has started construction of its first nuclear power plant, with Mirziyoyev and Putin launching the first unit via video link; the project is pegged at about $9.5bn and aligned with IAEA standards. Aviation & Connectivity: Qanot Sharq has delayed its long-awaited direct Tashkent–New York (JFK) route from July 1 to September 2, 2026, keeping a twice-weekly schedule; tickets still aren’t available. Aviation Strategy: IATA is urging Uzbekistan to adopt a unified aviation strategy and airport master plan, warning that rapid growth needs stronger safety oversight and IOSA certification. Diplomacy: Cyprus’ foreign minister Constantinos Kombos pledged to deepen ties with Uzbekistan, focusing on trade, investment, transport and logistics. Sports (Uzbekistan in focus): Uzbekistan’s World Cup debut continues to draw attention, while in volleyball the Philippines’ Alas Pilipinas opened the AVC Women’s Cup by sweeping Uzbekistan 25-16, 25-12, 25-14.