The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has postponed the 2027 Asian Cup to 2028, a decision that throws the future of Uzbekistan head coach Fabio Cannavaro into doubt. The tournament in Saudi Arabia has been rescheduled to run from 23 December 2027 to 21 January 2028 due to regional security concerns and logistical complications.
AFC President Sheikh Salman said: "the Organising Committee for AFC Asian Cup approved to reschedule the flagship national team tournament in light of the current exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region, including substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions. The new dates of the tournament will be presented to FIFA for approval."
The postponement forces a major recalibration for Uzbekistan. The team's recent form reads two wins and one loss (LWW), having been defeated 2-0 by South Korea on 6 October after victories over Syria (4-1) and Iran (3-1). With no competitive fixtures now on the horizon, the team's focus shifts to a friendly against Russia at home on 12 November. This match will serve as a key opportunity for Cannavaro to assess the team's standing in the standings and fixtures context.
Uncertain future for Cannavaro
The delay places Cannavaro's tenure in Uzbekistan under scrutiny. The Italian, who took charge in October last year and guided the team to the 2026 World Cup, now faces an extended period without official matches. Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed Cannavaro may walk away from the Uzbekistan job following the postponement.
The decision is linked to the security situation in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh was set to host 30 of the tournament's 51 matches, including the final, but Houthi missile and drone attacks on sites in the country, including at least 20 strikes on King Khalid International Airport, raised safety risks. It is these security concerns that prompted the tournament's rescheduling.
For Uzbekistan, the calendar has become more complicated. The White Wolves were drawn in a balanced Asian Cup group with Jordan, North Korea and Bahrain. They must now handle a long wait before their next competitive outing. Key players like top scorer Otabek Urunov, who has four goals in nine appearances this season, face a prolonged break. This extends their target period significantly.
The Uzbekistan national team now turns its attention to preparing for the friendly against Russia on 12 November. This match will form the basis for discussions about the team's development and future direction under Cannavaro's leadership.
The report in full is at espn.com
