Key Takeaways:
- Fabio Cannavaro has verbally agreed to manage Uzbekistan at the 2026 World Cup
- The contract is expected to be finalised within the next two days
- Uzbekistan will compete in their first-ever World Cup, taking place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026
Appointment Nears Completion
Former Italy international and Ballon d’Or winner Fabio Cannavaro is on the brink of being named head coach of Uzbekistan’s national football team, as reported by Fabrizio Romano. At 52 years old, Cannavaro has reportedly provided his verbal approval to take charge of the side for the 2026 World Cup campaign, with the official contract anticipated to be signed within forty-eight hours.
🚨🇺🇿 EXCL: Fabio Cannavaro verbally agrees to become new Uzbekistan head coach as part of World Cup 2026.
Agreement in place on contract terms with formal documents expected to be reviewed and signed in 24/48h.
Cannavaro, ready to accept as revealed on Monday. 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/0qdy6GSdEf
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 2, 2025
Uzbekistan to Make World Cup Debut in 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, will mark a milestone for Uzbekistan as they make their debut on football’s biggest stage. The Central Asian nation will participate in the tournament for the first time in their history, marking a significant achievement for Uzbek football.
| Head Coach | World Cup | Host Countries | Tournament Dates | Uzbekistan Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fabio Cannavaro | 2026 | USA, Canada, Mexico | June 11 – July 19, 2026 | First ever |
Cannavaro’s Managerial Tenure
Cannavaro’s most recent post was at Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb, a role he vacated in April 2025. His previous coaching appointments include stints at Udinese and Benevento in Italy, Guangzhou and Tianjin in China, as well as Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Nassr. His broad managerial experience across Europe and Asia provides a notable boost as Uzbekistan prepare for their inaugural World Cup campaign.
