Fabio Cannavaro leads Uzbekistan to historic first World Cup appearance
Fabio Cannavaro, the 2006 World Cup winner and Ballon d'Or recipient, was appointed head coach of Uzbekistan in October 2025, leading the nation to its first-ever World Cup in 2026. Despite a 1-3 loss to Colombia in their debut match on June 18, 2026, Cannavaro joined an elite group of Ballon d'Or winners to coach at a World Cup. The team, featuring stars like Abdukodir Khusanov and Eldor Shomurodov, represents years of investment in Uzbek football infrastructure and youth development.
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Cannavaro: I Will Stay as Head Coach After Uzbekistan's World Cup Exit
Fabio Cannavaro confirmed he will remain as Uzbekistan's head coach despite the team's elimination from the World Cup group stage with three consecutive losses, including a 1-3 defeat to DR Congo. In a post-match press conference, Cannavaro analyzed the team's second-half collapse, attributing it to a 'fear of winning' and failure to maintain rhythm and aggression. He defended his decision to keep goalkeeper Nematov in the lineup after a heavy loss to Portugal, citing psychological protection. Cannavaro highlighted positive aspects of his tenure, including developing young players like 18-year-old Bekha and managing injuries among key squad members. He acknowledged mistakes but emphasized his commitment to player growth and the team's long-term development, expressing regret that the team's hard work did not yield better results in a difficult group.
虎扑 - 足球Cannavaro: We panicked after conceding, resorted to long balls instead of playing on the ground
Uzbekistan finished the World Cup group stage with three losses after a 1-3 defeat to DR Congo. Head coach Fabio Cannavaro spoke emotionally at the post-match press conference, analyzing the team's collapse. He praised the first-half performance of high pressing and ball control but admitted that after conceding a penalty in the second half, players panicked and abandoned the tactical plan, resorting to blind long balls. Cannavaro stressed that inexperience and fear of strong opponents led to the loss of team cohesion. He refused to blame his players, calling the group 'brutal' and the gap in quality too large. He expressed pride in the players' effort and hoped the painful experience would drive future growth. The locker room was dead silent, and Cannavaro stated he hates losing more than anything.
虎扑 - 足球Cannavaro: Uzbekistan Must Invest in Youth Training for Future World Cup Success
Following Uzbekistan's 1-3 defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo and a winless World Cup group stage exit with three losses, head coach Fabio Cannavaro addressed the nation's football future. In a post-match press conference, Cannavaro stated that Uzbekistan must invest funds in youth academies and young player development to become a regular World Cup participant over the next 20 to 30 years. He acknowledged that current efforts fell short despite the players giving their all, and urged patience, noting that 'Rome wasn't built in a day.' Cannavaro defended his team against criticism, emphasizing they left everything on the pitch, and highlighted the FA's long-term goal of scouting and cultivating top talents. He called for continued momentum after the breakthrough of qualifying for this World Cup.
虎扑 - 足球2026 World Cup: OM Fitness Coach Mario Rotondale Joins Uzbekistan Staff Under Fabio Cannavaro
Mario Rotondale, a fitness coach for Olympique de Marseille, has joined the staff of Uzbekistan national team head coach Fabio Cannavaro for the duration of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Rotondale, who previously worked at Juventus and has served under multiple OM managers, previously collaborated with Cannavaro at Guangzhou in China, winning the league together in 2019. The 100% Italian coaching staff includes trusted former colleagues. Rotondale was observed handling player warm-ups and attending to substitutes during Uzbekistan's matches. The Uzbek team, making its World Cup debut, faces a difficult group stage with losses to Colombia and Portugal and is likely to be eliminated. They face Congo next.
Home Football - actualitésCannavaro Congratulates Portugal After Uzbekistan Defeat, Praises Ronaldo
After Uzbekistan's 0-5 loss to Portugal in the second round of the World Cup group stage, Uzbek head coach Fabio Cannavaro posted on Instagram. Cannavaro acknowledged the gap in experience against a strong opponent like Portugal, stating that growth comes only from playing on the pitch. He congratulated Portugal and specifically praised Cristiano Ronaldo as a role model for everyone. The match highlights the challenges faced by emerging football nations on the international stage.
虎扑 - 足球Cannavaro: Defending Deep Against Portugal Also Leads to Defeat; I Asked Players to Be Bold
Uzbekistan head coach Fabio Cannavaro addressed the media after his team's 0-5 loss to Portugal in the World Cup group stage. Despite the heavy defeat, Cannavaro expressed pride in his players for not giving up and attempting to play football rather than just defending. He defended his tactical choice to push forward, arguing that sitting deep would also result in a loss. Cannavaro praised Cristiano Ronaldo's hunger at age 41 and called him one of the greatest in football history. He took full responsibility for the defeat and lineup changes, emphasizing his role in protecting young players making their World Cup debut. Cannavaro acknowledged Portugal's strength as a team and noted that the disallowed goal affected his team's confidence. He insisted Uzbekistan must keep believing as long as mathematical elimination is not certain, but stressed the priority is gaining experience in their first World Cup appearance.
虎扑 - 足球Cannavaro: I do not blame the Uzbek players at all, the gap with Portugal is too big
After Uzbekistan's 0-5 defeat to Portugal in the 2026 World Cup group stage, head coach Fabio Cannavaro stated he has no complaints about his team, acknowledging the enormous gap in quality between the sides. He noted that conceding early made a comeback very difficult, but praised his players for continuing to fight despite the large deficit. Cannavaro emphasized the value of the World Cup experience for Uzbekistan. In the third round, Uzbekistan will face the Democratic Republic of the Congo and still has a theoretical chance of advancing to the knockout stage, pending other results.
虎扑 - 足球Uzbekistan Coach Cannavaro Had Perfect Record Against Portugal as Player
Fabio Cannavaro, currently the head coach of Uzbekistan, will face Portugal in the second round of the World Cup group stage. During his playing career for Italy, Cannavaro won all three matches against Portugal. Notably, one of his only two goals for the Italian national team was scored against Portugal in February 2008, when he captained Italy and Portugal was led by captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who was playing his 54th international match. The article highlights this historical context ahead of the Uzbekistan-Portugal clash.
虎扑 - 足球Cannavaro: Ronaldo Can Score Under Any Circumstances, We Need to Pay Close Attention to Him
Uzbekistan head coach Fabio Cannavaro held a pre-match press conference ahead of the World Cup group stage match against Portugal. Cannavaro emphasized that while his team performed well in their debut against Colombia, they must maintain focus and fight from the first minute against a strong Portuguese side. Acknowledging the threat of Cristiano Ronaldo, Cannavaro stated Ronaldo can score in any situation—free kicks, corners, etc.—and that special attention must be paid to him. He stressed the importance of team unity, reducing mistakes, and playing with courage rather than just defending deep. Player Shomurodov added that the team would correct first-half errors and look to attack more. Cannavaro also expressed regret over Italy’s absence from the World Cup.
虎扑 - 足球Fabio Cannavaro Praises Portugal's Midfield and Ronaldo Ahead of World Cup Clash
Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro praised Portugal as one of the best teams in the 2026 World Cup, highlighting their elite midfield and Cristiano Ronaldo as one of history's greatest forwards. Despite the daunting opponent, Cannavaro expressed confidence that his team can surprise Portugal if they remain cohesive and focused. He noted Ronaldo's ability to score from any situation but stressed that Portugal's strength extends beyond their star player, including deep bench talent. Cannavaro declined to reveal whether he will assign Manchester City defender Khusanov to mark Ronaldo. The match takes place Tuesday at NRG Stadium in Houston in Group K, where Uzbekistan is seeking its first World Cup points after losing its opener. Colombia leads the group with three points, while Portugal and DR Congo each have one point.
RecordCannavaro: We Cannot Focus Only on Cristiano Ronaldo Ahead of Portugal Match
Fabio Cannavaro, head coach of Uzbekistan and 2006 World Cup winner with Italy, stated on Monday that while Cristiano Ronaldo is 'one of the best ever' and can 'score in every possible way,' Uzbekistan cannot focus solely on him due to Portugal's overall squad strength. Speaking at a press conference in Houston's NRG Stadium, Cannavaro acknowledged the challenge of facing Portugal, noting their 'best midfield in the world' and Ronaldo's threat from set pieces. Uzbekistan enters the match after a 1-3 loss to Colombia, while Portugal drew 1-1 with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Cannavaro also contrasted the experience of playing in a World Cup versus coaching, emphasizing the pressure and preparation required. The match is part of the 2026 World Cup group stage.
FútbolFabio Cannavaro, Ballon d'Or Winner, Aims to Stop Cristiano Ronaldo in World Cup Clash
Fabio Cannavaro, the 2006 Ballon d'Or winner and World Cup champion, now coaches the Uzbekistan national team, which faces Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo in a crucial World Cup group match. The game, set for Tuesday at NRG Stadium in Houston, pits two former Real Madrid players against each other and could determine Portugal's tournament fate. Cannavaro, 52, took over Uzbekistan in 2025 after a varied coaching career including stints at Guangzhou Evergrande, Al Nassr, Benevento, and Udinese. As a player, he was renowned for his tactical intelligence and leadership, captaining Italy to the 2006 World Cup title and winning two La Liga titles with Real Madrid. The article highlights his transition from legendary defender to coach, now facing another generational icon in Ronaldo.
FútbolCannavaro Enters Select Group with World Cup Coaching Debut for Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan made its World Cup debut on June 18, 2026, losing 1-3 to Colombia, but the match was historic for both the nation and its coach, Fabio Cannavaro. The 2006 Ballon d'Or winner and former Italian World Cup champion coached his first World Cup match as a manager, joining an elite group of only four Ballon d'Or winners who have participated in a World Cup as both a player and a coach. The other legends in this select group are Franz Beckenbauer (Germany), Oleg Blokhin (Ukraine/Soviet Union), and Marco van Basten (Netherlands). Cannavaro, a former defender for Parma, Inter, Juventus, and Real Madrid, now leads the Asian team in their first World Cup appearance.
Fútbol2026 World Cup: Fabio Cannavaro Leads Uzbekistan to Historic Debut
Uzbekistan is set to play its first-ever World Cup match in 2026, a historic milestone driven by years of massive investment in football infrastructure, academies, and youth development. Former Ballon d'Or winner and Italian World Cup champion Fabio Cannavaro, appointed head coach in October 2025, has become the face of this ambitious project. The team, led by Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov and captain Eldor Shomurodov, faces Colombia at the Azteca Stadium. Cannavaro has focused on preparing his players mentally, sharing his own World Cup debut experiences to help them manage pressure. The qualification, achieved in 2025, ended decades of near-misses and has ignited national fervor. Uzbekistan aims to prove its rise is sustainable, not a flash in the pan, and to establish itself as a serious football nation on the global stage.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertFabio Cannavaro Appointed Head Coach of Uzbekistan National Football Team
Fabio Cannavaro, the 2006 Ballon d'Or winner and former Italy captain, has been appointed head coach of the Uzbekistan national football team. The 52-year-old Italian signed a contract on October 6, 2025, with an annual salary approaching 4 million euros, after being approached by Uzbek Federation officials including vice-president Ravshan Irmatov. Cannavaro, whose coaching career has been mixed with stints at Al-Nassr, Benevento, Udinese, Dinamo Zagreb, and Chinese clubs, will lead Uzbekistan in their first World Cup appearance, facing Colombia in their opening match. He is accompanied by twelve Italian staff members, including his brother Paolo as assistant and former goalkeeper Antonio Chimenti. Cannavaro sees this as an opportunity to revive his coaching career and eventually aim for a Serie A or Italy national team role.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuFabio Cannavaro Returns to World Cup as Head Coach of Uzbekistan
Fabio Cannavaro, the 2006 World Cup winner and Ballon d'Or recipient, is returning to the World Cup stage as head coach of Uzbekistan, a role he accepted in October 2025. The Italian legend, who previously experienced World Cup disappointment with Italy in 2010, took over an Uzbekistan team that had already qualified for the tournament under his predecessor. Despite a coaching career marked by brief and often unconvincing stints at clubs like Al-Nassr, Benevento, Udinese, and Dinamo Zagreb, Cannavaro has been entrusted with leading Uzbekistan, a team 4,500 km from his homeland. He is accompanied by a twelve-person Italian support staff, including his brother Paolo and former goalkeeper Antonio Chimenti. Cannavaro, who aims to eventually coach in Serie A or the Italian national team, faces Colombia in his first World Cup match as a manager.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuCannavaro: We are working hard to prepare for the World Cup, and our great dreams will gradually come true
Fabio Cannavaro, the former Italian World Cup-winning captain now coaching the Uzbekistan national team, shared an update on Instagram about the team's World Cup preparations. He noted that Uzbekistan is preparing hard for their first World Cup, which is approaching. Cannavaro commented on a recent 0-2 friendly loss to Canada, stating that the team's performance was not bad and they created many opportunities but failed to convert them. He announced that the team is ready for another test against the Netherlands on Monday, which will help them assess their current level. Cannavaro expressed that competing against top-level players is how great dreams are realized step by step.
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