Asian Cup delay puts Fabio Cannavaro’s Uzbekistan future in doubt

Fabio Cannavaro could leave his position as Uzbekistan manager after the Asian Football Confederation postponed the 2027 Asian Cup.

The tournament, which was due to begin in January 2027 in Saudi Arabia, will now start in December of the same year, the Asian Football Confederation announced on Tuesday.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Cannavaro may decide to step down following the change to the competition schedule.

Cannavaro has been in charge of Uzbekistan since October last year and led the team at the 2026 World Cup. However, Uzbekistan lost all three of their group-stage matches, against Colombia, Portugal and DR Congo.

The Asian Cup had been expected to provide the Italian with his next major challenge. Uzbekistan were drawn in a group alongside Jordan, North Korea and Bahrain, with the tournament representing their next opportunity to compete in a major official competition.

The postponement means Uzbekistan now have no official matches scheduled in the coming months. That lack of competitive fixtures could influence Cannavaro’s decision over whether to continue as head coach.

The current schedule includes friendly matches on 12 November 2026 and 13 November 2026. Uzbekistan are listed to face Russia on 12 November, while Saudi Arabia are scheduled to play South Korea the following day.

Cannavaro’s appointment had placed him in charge of Uzbekistan during a significant period for the national team, including their participation in the 2026 World Cup and preparations for the Asian Cup on home soil in Saudi Arabia.

With the continental tournament moved back almost a year, the uncertainty over the team’s competitive programme has raised questions about how long the former Italy manager will remain in the role.