Uzbekistan FIFA World Cup: In October, the Uzbekistan Football Association confirmed the appointment of a new head coach as the national team prepares for its first-ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup finals. Football icon Fabio Cannavaro will take charge of the Central Asian nation as they head to the 2026 World Cup, marking a historic chapter in Uzbek football.

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Cannavaro, a 2006 World Cup champion and Ballon d’Or recipient, brings a wealth of football experience, though his appointment has stirred debate within the football community. The Italian legend, who once represented Real Madrid, Juventus, Inter Milan, and Parma, remains the last defender to win the Ballon d’Or, an honor he received for his exceptional performances during Italy’s triumphant 2006 campaign.

That same year, he was also named Italian Footballer of the Year, highlighting his dominance as one of the sport’s greatest defenders. The 52-year-old Italian has signed a two-year deal with an option to extend for another three years, signaling a long-term vision for the team’s development.

Following his retirement in 2011 after a short stint with Al Ahli in the United Arab Emirates, Cannavaro transitioned into coaching. However, critics of his appointment have voiced concerns over his limited coaching achievements compared to his illustrious playing career.

From World Cup Champion to Certified Coach Cannavaro Builds a New Legacy

Reports initially suggested that Cannavaro’s contract, including his coaching staff’s salaries, would cost the Uzbekistan Football Association around €4 million per year, a figure that sparked public discussion.

“Cannavaro’s salary is not €4 million, it isn’t even half of that. Both parties agreed not to disclose the precise details of the contract, but the numbers circulating in the media are exaggerated,” Irmatov clarified.

The Italian coach will be assisted by Eugenio Albarella, Troise Francesco, and Antonio Chimenti, all of whom have worked alongside him in previous roles. In response to speculation surrounding Cannavaro’s salary, Ravshan Irmatov, the First Vice President of the Uzbekistan Football Association, dismissed the reported figures.

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After hanging up his boots, Cannavaro earned his professional coaching credentials from Italy’s Coverciano Technical School, one of the most respected institutions for football management. During this period, he continued working with Al Ahli as both an ambassador and consultant, before officially beginning his coaching journey in 2013 as an assistant to Romanian manager Cosmin Olaroiu.

In late 2014, Cannavaro was appointed as head coach of Guangzhou Evergrande, the reigning Chinese Super League champions at the time. His mentor, Marcello Lippi, who had just stepped down, personally recommended Cannavaro as his successor. Fabio’s managerial debut came in the Chinese Super Cup, where Guangzhou narrowly lost to Shandong Luneng on penalties.

Uzbekistan Gears Up for a Historic First Appearance at the Football World Cup

Despite a respectable record of 11 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses in 22 matches, Cannavaro left the club midway through the season, with the team sitting second in the league standings. Later that year, in October 2015, Cannavaro accepted an offer to manage Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

Cannavaro took over with the team in seventh place, hoping to turn their season around. Under his guidance, Al-Nassr advanced through two rounds of the Saudi Cup, but in the league, they managed only four victories, five draws, and three defeats. After roughly three and a half months in charge, the Italian resigned amid reports of internal financial troubles that hindered the team’s performance.

At the time, Al-Nassr was facing economic instability, which many analysts believe contributed to their inconsistent results and ultimately Cannavaro’s early departure. Despite the mixed outcomes, his experiences in Asia provided valuable exposure that could serve him well as he leads Uzbekistan into uncharted territory on the world stage.

As the FIFA World Cup draws closer, excitement in Uzbekistan continues to build. For the first time in its history, the nation will compete among the global elite, a moment generations of Uzbek football fans have long dreamed of. With Cannavaro’s leadership and his staff’s tactical insight, hopes are high that Uzbekistan will make a competitive showing in their debut campaign.

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FAQs

1. Who has been appointed as the new head coach of the Uzbekistan national football team?
Fabio Cannavaro, the legendary Italian defender and 2006 World Cup winner, has officially taken charge of Uzbekistan’s national team. He has signed a two-year contract with an option for an additional three years, reflecting the federation’s long-term confidence in his leadership.

2. Why has Fabio Cannavaros appointment sparked debate?
Although Cannavaro’s playing career was outstanding, his coaching record has yet to reach the same heights. He has managed several clubs in China and Saudi Arabia with moderate results. The initial reports of a large salary package also raised questions, though Uzbekistan’s football officials have strongly denied those figures.

3. Who are Fabio Cannavaros assistants with the Uzbekistan national team?
Cannavaro’s coaching team includes fellow Italians Eugenio Albarella, Troise Francesco, and Antonio Chimenti. Each brings significant experience and has previously worked with Cannavaro at other clubs.

4. Has Uzbekistan ever played in the FIFA World Cup before 2026?
No. The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup marks Uzbekistan’s first-ever qualification for the tournament, representing a milestone in the country’s football history and a major step forward for Asian football.

5. Where can fans purchase official tickets for FIFA World Cup 2026 matches?
Supporters can buy verified tickets and hospitality packages through worldwideticketsandhospitality.com, a trusted source offering official access to World Cup fixtures, including the final match.