Reports have revealed that the legendary Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro has reached a verbal agreement to take on the role of head coach for the Uzbekistan national team, as part of the team's preparations for its historic first participation in the 2026 World Cup.

According to "Football Italy," contracts are expected to be officially signed within the next two days after a preliminary agreement was reached between the two parties.

It is worth noting that Cannavaro, who won the World Cup in 2006, has not taken any coaching position since leaving Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia, where he managed the team in 14 matches, achieving only 7 victories.

The Uzbekistan national team qualified for the 2026 World Cup after finishing second in the Asian qualifiers in Group A, just two points behind Iran, while outperforming third-placed UAE by six points. Additionally, its defense has been notably strong, having conceded only 7 goals, making it the second-best defense in the qualifiers.

With this historic qualification, the Uzbek team is preparing to write a new chapter in its football history, under the leadership of Cannavaro, who is close to signing officially to head the coaching staff for the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.