During the 35th AFC Congress, FIFA President Gianni Infantino delivered a speech focusing on key issues such as the sustainable development of football, the growth of women’s and youth football, grassroots initiatives, social projects, and preparations for major international tournaments.

He highlighted the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup, noting the significance of these competitions. Infantino specifically mentioned that an Uzbek player (Abduqodir Khusanov) is expected to take part in the tournament, representing Asian football on the global stage.

The FIFA President also highly praised Uzbekistan for hosting a FIFA-level tournament for the first time in the Central Asian region last year, emphasizing the importance of such milestones in the continued growth of football in the region.