Uzbekistan UZB

For the White Wolves, this is uncharted territory — Uzbekistan's place at the 2026 World Cup marks a historic first for the AFC nation, currently ranked 50th in the world by FIFA. The man tasked with navigating that frontier is none other than Fabio Cannavaro, one of football's most decorated defenders, who has planted his flag firmly in a 5-2-3 system and shown no intention of moving it.

That system served Uzbekistan exceptionally well through qualifying, and the foundation of it was defensive solidity. With centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov among those marshalling the backline, the White Wolves conceded just seven goals across ten qualifying matches — a record that would earn respect in any confederation. Cannavaro, himself a World Cup-winning defender, has clearly stamped his identity on how this team protects its goal.

The concern, however, sits at the other end of the pitch. Cannavaro's managerial career has been a mixed one, and goals look likely to be a genuine problem for Uzbekistan on the grandest stage. A 5-2-3 shape offers attacking intent on paper, but converting that into goals against World Cup-level opposition is a different proposition entirely.

The squad Cannavaro will lean on includes Utkir Yusupov, Farrukh Sayfiev, Otabek Shukurov, Odiljon Khamrobekov, Jaloliddin Masharipov, Abduvokhid Nematov, Sherzod Nasrullaev, Eldor Shomurodov, Umar Eshmurodov, Bekhruz Karimov, Avazbek Ulmasaliev, and Jakhongir Urozov alongside the influential Khusanov. Whether that group can produce the moments of quality needed to compete at a first-ever World Cup remains the defining question hanging over this remarkable debut.