For the first time in 30 years, the Uzbekistan national football team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup. This is a historic moment not only for the country’s sports sector but for the entire nation. Football is a core part of Uzbekistan’s culture and identity — and fans are an inseparable part of the team. Football is the most popular and widely played sport in Uzbekistan. Almost every boy (and increasingly, girls) plays football in the streets, every neighborhood has its own team, and footballers are regarded as national heroes. The country is known for having some of the most passionate and dedicated supporters in the world. Qualifying for the World Cup is a national celebration — but for most fans, traveling to the United States to support the team in person is simply not an option.
Problem
The average monthly salary in Uzbekistan is less than $500. A trip to the World Cup includes: Flight: from $1000 Match ticket: $500 Accommodation, food, and other expenses: from $1000 to $1500 The total cost is approximately $3000, which is 6 to 10 times the average monthly income. Additionally, a significant number of fans are unlikely to obtain a visa. As a result, physical attendance at the World Cup becomes impossible for thousands of dedicated supporters.
Solution
FAnBRIC is a project that allows fans from Uzbekistan to take part in the World Cup — even without traveling to the United States. Anyone can upload their photo to the project’s website, after which their face becomes part of the print on the official jersey worn by the Uzbekistan national team players at the 2026 World Cup. How it works: Thousands of fans’ photos are used on the official team jersey. Each player walks onto the field literally feeling the support of their country. Thousands of fans become part of the event, despite being unable to attend physically.
