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World Cup Shock: Cannavaro Leads Uzbekistan Debut
18 Jun
Summary
- Fabio Cannavaro captains Uzbekistan in their first World Cup.
- Uzbekistan qualified for the World Cup for the first time.
- Cannavaro aims to ease pressure on players facing tough opponents.
Fabio Cannavaro, celebrated for captaining Italy to a 2006 World Cup victory, is now at the helm of Uzbekistan's national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This marks Uzbekistan's inaugural appearance in the prestigious tournament.
The team secured its historic qualification in June 2025 under the guidance of former player Timur Kapadze. Shortly after, in October 2025, the Uzbekistan Football Federation appointed Cannavaro as head coach, with Kapadze remaining as assistant.
Kapadze resigned from his assistant role just over a month later. As Uzbekistan prepares to face strong contenders like Colombia and Portugal, Cannavaro acknowledges the immense challenge. He aims to instill confidence in his players, emphasizing the unique opportunity to compete on the world stage.
Cannavaro stated his strategy is to mitigate pressure on his debutant squad. He encourages his players to embrace the experience, acknowledging they have "nothing to lose" against renowned teams. The team seeks its first point in the tournament.
