Legendary ex-Italy defender Fabio Cannavaro takes shock new international job ahead of 2026 World Cup

Italy legend Cannavaro has agreed to join the Uzbekistan national team as their head coach ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Italian has verbally agreed to manage the Asian nation and he will be announced as Uzbekistan's next head coach in the next 24 to 48 hours. 

Cannavaro is quite familiar with Asian football as he spent seven years as a manager in club and international football. He started his professional managerial career in the Chinese Super League at Guangzhou Evergrande, where he spent five seasons as head coach over two stints. In between, the 52-year-old also managed Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr and the Chinese national team.

Cannavaro returned to Europe in 2022 and enjoyed brief spells at Benevento, Udinese and Dinamo Zagreb. He joined Zagreb in December 2024 but lasted only five months at the club as he was sacked by the Croatian side after 14 matches in charge. 

Currently ranked 54th in the world, Uzbekistan booked their berth at the 2026 World Cup in June. They will compete in a World Cup for the first time in their history and Cannavaro will oversee their historic campaign in North America.