Meet Tajikistan: bringing 11 players from their champion squad and a Euro-qualified coach aiming for their second King's Cup title in Sisaket 2026.
On 11 November 2026, get to know the Tajikistan national team, ranked 100th in the world, as they return to contest their second championship at the 52nd King's Cup held in Sisaket province from 14-17 November 2026.
The 2026 King's Cup marks the third time the 'Persian Lions' have competed in Thailand, following their 2022 appearance in Chiang Mai (where they won) and 2024 in Songkhla (finishing 4th).
Reviewing Tajikistan's 24-man squad, 11 players are carryovers from the 2022 King's Cup winning team from four years ago, nearly half the current roster, providing a core of experienced players familiar with the tournament as they aim to lift the trophy again in Thailand.
Goalkeeper (1 player)- Rustam Yatimov
Defenders (5 players)- Zoir Juraboev, Tabrez Islomov, Vahdat Hanonov, Akhtam Nazarov, Mehrubon Karimov
Midfielders (3 players)- Amirbek Juraboev, Muhammadjon Rahimov, Ehsani Panjshanbe
Forwards (2 players)- Chervoni Mabatshoyev, Nuriddin Hamrokulov
Tajikistan is led by Igor Angelovski, a 48-year-old North Macedonian coach, a pro-license holder known for his disciplined defensive style, rapid counterattacks, and tactical flexibility.
Angelovski's hallmark achievement was guiding North Macedonia's national team to their first-ever qualification for the UEFA European Championship (Euro 2020).
1. Parvizjon Umarboev (Midfielder)
- The 30-year-old veteran playmaker is the team's offensive brain, currently playing for Lokomotiv Plovdiv in Bulgaria's top league. He is known for his game control, precise passing, and European experience that greatly strengthens the midfield.
2. Chervoni Mabatshoyev (Forward)
- The 25-year-old attacker is ambidextrous, able to play both as a winger and striker. Currently with Istiklol, he has 44 senior national caps and 13 goals—more than anyone else on the team. His agility, sharp finishing, and previous stint in Europe with Kapaz (Azerbaijan) make him a key offensive threat.
14 November 2026
16:00
Sisaket Provincial Stadium (Island in the lake)
19:30
Sisaket Provincial Stadium (Island in the lake)
The final will be held on 17 November 2026.
Thairath TV Channel 32
Websitewww.thairath.co.th/tv/live
Facebook: Thairath Sport
YouTube: Thairath Sport
and TrueVisions Now App
Tickets are available from 200 to 500 baht, sold online athttps://www.theconcert.com/starting 24 October 2026, with on-site sales from 31 October to 1 November 2026.
*Image courtesy of Tajikistan Football Federation