Legendary Italy star Cannavaro to take over as Uzbekistan head coach for World Cup 2026 | OneFootball

Legendary Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro has reportedly agreed to take over as head coach of the Uzbekistan National Team, as the team prepare for their first ever World Cup next year.

According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano on X, Cannavaro has reached a verbal agreement with the Asian nation, with formal documents expected to be reviewed and signed within the next 2 days.

UDINE, ITALY – MAY 06: Fabio Cannavaro, Head Coach of Udinese Calcio, looks on prior to the Serie A TIM match between Udinese Calcio and SSC Napoli at Dacia Arena on May 06, 2024 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Cannavaro has been unemployed since his sacking from Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb, where he won just seven in his first 14 matches.

Cannavaro prepares to lead Uzbekistan in the World Cup

Uzbekistan had an impressive qualifying campaign, finishing second in Group A of the Asian World Cup qualifiers.

They finished just two points behind group winners Iran and six above third-placed UAE. Uzbekistan conceded just seven goals in their campaign, the joint-second lowest in the entire competition.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 22: Fabio Cannavaro, Head Coach of GNK Dinamo reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Arsenal FC and GNK Dinamo at on January 22, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

The nation deservedly booked their place in next year’s tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico – and now look set to have a World Cup winner at the helm as head coach.