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

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.

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.

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.