Uzbekistan FIFA World Cup: Former Italy defender Fabio Cannavaro is all set to take up a shock new international job ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Ballon d'Or-winning ex-Juventus star has been without a job since Dinamo Zagreb went their separate ways with him in April this year. However, Cannavaro is now set to return to football organization to lead Uzbekistan in their maiden arrival at the 2026 World Cup.
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Italy legend Cannavaro has agreed to join the Uzbekistan national team as their head coach ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Italian has vocally decided to manage the Asian nation, and he will be proclaimed as Uzbekistan's next head coach in the next 24 to 48 hours.
Cannavaro is quite familiar with Asian football as he spent seven years as a manager in club and international football. He started his expert managerial career in the Chinese Super League at Guangzhou Evergrande, where he spent five seasons as head coach over two stints. In between, the 52-year-old also achieved Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr and the Chinese national team.
Cannavaro returned to Europe in 2022 and relished brief spells at Benevento, Udinese, and Dinamo Zagreb. He joined Zagreb in December 2024 but lasted only five months at the club as he was dismissed by the Croatian side after 14 matches in charge.
FIFA 2026: Mixed Success and Short Stints Before Uzbekistan Role
Presently ranked 54th in the world, Uzbekistan booked its berth at the 2026 World Cup in June. They will contest in a World Cup for the first time in their history, and Cannavaro will oversee their historic movement in North America. Cannavaro has gone from classy defender to journeyman manager since retiring in 2011.
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But that hasn't put Uzbek football bosses off delivering him on board for the biggest tournament they will have ever played. Fabrizio Romano claims that a verbal contract is in place for Cannavaro to forefront Uzbekistan's World Cup project. The former center-back captained Italy to World Cup glory in 2006 and became only the third defender to win the Ballon d'Or later that year.
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But he hasn't liked the same level of success since taking to the dugout. Cannavaro took his first steps as a head coach in China and Saudi Arabia before heading back to his homeland. Brief stints at Benevento and Udinese were followed by a spell with Croatian side Zagreb, which lasted just over three months. And his last job - at Dinamo Zagreb - ended six months ago when he was swiftly axed.
FIFA World Cup: Cannavaro Set to Lead Uzbekistan at World Cup 2026
The previous Juventus and Real Madrid star will take charge of a side that ended second in Asian passing Group A, two points behind Iran. With only one defeat in those 10 qualifying games, Cannavaro will be tasked with continuing their talented form. Fabio Cannavaro has orally agreed to the contract and is ready to become the new head coach of the Uzbekistan national team for the 2026 World Cup, insider Fabrizio Romano reports.
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Referring to the material, all conditions between the Uzbekistan Football Federation and the Italian coach have already been agreed upon, and the signing of official documents is predictable in the next 24-48 hours. The former Italian national team defender and 2006 Ballon d’Or winner coached Guangzhou, China, Udinese, and Dinamo Zagreb.
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FAQs
Q1: Has Uzbekistan ever qualified for the FIFA World Cup before 2026?
A: No, Uzbekistan will be making its first-ever appearance at a FIFA World Cup in 2026. They secured qualification by finishing second in Asian Qualifying Group A, just two points behind Iran.
Q2: Who is Fabio Cannavaro, and why is his appointment significant?
A: Fabio Cannavaro is a former Italy defender, 2006 World Cup-winning captain, and Ballon d’Or winner. His appointment is historic as he will guide Uzbekistan on their debut World Cup journey, bringing both playing pedigree and international experience.
Q3: What coaching experience does Cannavaro have?
A: Cannavaro has managed several teams, including Guangzhou Evergrande in China, Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, the Chinese national team, and European sides Benevento, Udinese, and Dinamo Zagreb.
Q4: When will Cannavaro officially be announced as Uzbekistan’s head coach?
A: A verbal agreement has been reached, and the official signing of documents is expected within 24–48 hours, according to reports.
Q5: Who will Uzbekistan face in their next preparation match?
A: Uzbekistan is set to play a friendly match against Kuwait during the upcoming FIFA international window as part of their World Cup preparations.
