FIFA President Congratulates Fabio Cannavaro on Appointment as Uzbekistan Head Coach

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — FIFA President Gianni Infantino sent warm congratulations to Fabio Cannavaro, the newly appointed head coach of the Uzbekistan national football team.

In his message, Infantino highlighted the symbolic significance of the legendary Italian returning to the world stage:

"Welcome to the FIFA 2026 World Cup, dear Fabio Cannavaro! In 2006, you became a world champion with the Italian national team as its captain. Twenty years later, you will participate in this prestigious tournament again — this time in a new role, as the head coach of the Uzbekistan national team," the statement reads.

Earlier, the Uzbekistan Football Association announced the signing of a 2+3 year contract with Cannavaro. The three-time World Cup participant, 2006 world champion, and one of the best defenders of his generation will lead the national team in preparation for the upcoming World Cup, to be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.