On Thursday morning, before the start of the working day, millions of people across Uzbekistan are expected to gather around giant screens, TV sets and smartphones to watch a football match unlike any other in the country's history.
Uzbekistan's national team is set to face Colombia in its 2026 FIFA World Cup opener at 7 am local time, prompting growing anticipation across the country as communities organise ways to watch together.
Schools, parks and public spaces are being transformed into viewing areas, while large screens are being installed in hundreds of locations ahead of kick-off.
A total of 208 schools have been selected to host public screenings, welcoming students, parents, teachers and local residents.
In Tashkent, fan zones have been established across all 12 districts of the capital, including a large viewing venue at Bunyodkor Stadium with a capacity for up to 10,000 spectators.
