Fabio Cannavaro, the 2006 World Cup-winning captain with Italy, is leading Uzbekistan into the World Cup for the first time in the nation's history. The appointment marks a significant shift for the Central Asian country, which has a population of just over 38 million and is not traditionally known as a football powerhouse.

Cannavaro, 52, took charge of Uzbekistan’s national team in early 2025 after the squad had already secured qualification. His predecessor, Slovenian coach Srecko Katanec, stepped down due to health reasons, and the interim coach Timur Kapadze guided the team through the final qualifying stages, including a crucial 0-0 draw against the UAE in June that sealed their spot in the tournament. The Uzbek Football Association sought a high-profile manager with international experience to lead the team through its debut appearance on football’s biggest stage, turning to Cannavaro to fill that role.

The Italian’s road to this position came after a challenging managerial career post-retirement. Cannavaro’s early coaching stints in Serie B with Benevento, Serie A with Udinese, and abroad with Dinamo Zagreb ended prematurely, with dismissals following relegation battles or first defeats. Despite these setbacks, the opportunity with Uzbekistan presented a fresh start with a young and promising squad, a factor that attracted Cannavaro even over other offers from Asia.

Cannavaro acknowledged the difficulty of adapting to a new culture and language, communicating primarily through a translator. Nevertheless, he immersed himself thoroughly, moving to Uzbekistan and dedicating extensive time to studying the team’s play, an approach that impressed local fans and officials. He noted that unlike previous foreign coaches who made brief visits, he and his staff spent around 40 days traveling throughout the country watching matches and assessing players.

Under Cannavaro’s leadership, Uzbekistan has achieved notable success, winning friendlies against Kuwait, Egypt, Iran, and Venezuela. However, the team’s World Cup group includes challenging opponents: Colombia, Portugal, and DR Congo. Uzbekistan’s squad relies heavily on homegrown talent, with only two players competing in top European leagues—Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov, 22, and captain Eldor Shomurodov, 30, who scored 22 goals for Istanbul Basaksehir in Turkey’s Super Lig last season.

Cannavaro praised his players for their dedication and adaptability, describing them as “tough” competitors who absorb coaching instructions eagerly and work diligently. He believes the team has the potential to surprise in the tournament despite the odds.

Looking beyond the immediate challenge, Cannavaro expressed aspirations to eventually coach Italy’s national team, seeing his tenure with Uzbekistan as both a personal and professional test. His role with the Central Asian underdogs offers an opportunity to reinvigorate his managerial career ahead of football’s marquee event in the United States.