Official – Italy legend Fabio Cannavaro appointed Uzbekistan National Team coach | OneFootball

Italy legend Fabio Cannavaro has officially been appointed as the new head coach of the Uzbekistan national team, the country’s football association confirmed today.

The 2006 World Cup winner returns to international management after previous experiences across the world and will lead the Asian nation in preparation for their debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

A statement from the Uzbekistan Football Association read, via X:

“The Uzbekistan Football Association has signed a contract with Fabio Cannavaro – a renowned specialist, three-time FIFA World Cup participant, 2006 World Cup champion, and one of the best defenders of the modern era. The Italian coach will lead our national team in preparation for the FIFA World Cup to be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.”

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 confirmed as Uzbekistan coach; staff revealed

Cannavaro will be joined by an all-Italian technical staff:

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)

For Cannavaro, it marks a new chapter after his brief spells in charge of Benevento, Udinese and Dinamo Zagreb, and previous tenures in Asia, including Guangzhou Evergrande and the Chinese national team.

Uzbekistan currently sit among Asia’s most promising developing sides, and the 50-year-old World Cup-winning defender will lead them in their first ever World Cup appearance in North America next year.