Temur Kapadze becomes head coach of the Uzbekistan national football team

According to the announcement, the UFA reviewed and analyzed several candidates for the position of head coach. Discussions were held with experienced local and foreign specialists, and the recommendations of the coaching council were thoroughly considered.

"Taking into account the limited time left before the decisive matches of the World Cup qualifiers, the candidacy of Temur Kapadze was proposed. Kapadze is well-acquainted with the team and its players, having been part of the national team for many years as a player and having worked as both head coach and assistant coach. Additionally, he achieved a historic result with the Uzbekistan Olympic team. Under the current circumstances, the UFA believes that Kapadze’s coaching talent, sense of responsibility, standing among team members, and constant pursuit of high goals will lead to positive results in the crucial matches," the statement said.

It was noted that Temur Kapadze will join the Uzbekistan national team, currently holding a training camp in Qatar, and take over the management of the team.

Previously, the head coach of the Uzbekistan national team, Srečko Katanec, mutually agreed to terminate his contract with the UFA due to health issues.

It is worth mentioning that 43-year-old Temur Kapadze led the Uzbekistan Olympic team to the Olympics for the first time in the nation’s football history in 2024, earning him the title of Uzbekistan’s Coach of the Year.

For reference, the Uzbekistan national team will face Jordan in a friendly match in Doha on January 27. This game will primarily feature players from the Uzbekistan Super League. In the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, the team will host Kyrgyzstan in Tashkent on March 20 and then face Iran in Tehran on March 25. Securing crucial points in these matches could earn Uzbekistan its first-ever World Cup qualification. Currently, the team is in second place in Group A with 13 points.