"The match against Congo will be easier": Cannavaro shared his thoughts ahead of tomorrow's game
A press conference was held ahead of the Uzbekistan – Congo match, which will take place as part of the JCH-2026 group stage.
Fabio Cannavaro, the head coach of the Uzbekistan national team, held a press conference ahead of the match against the Congo national team, sharing his thoughts on the upcoming game, squad selection, and the team's goals.
The Uzbekistan vs. Congo match, as part of the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, will take place on June 28 at 04:30 (Tashkent time) at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, USA. Comparing the upcoming opponent to Colombia and Portugal, Cannavaro emphasized that, theoretically, the game against Congo should be easier.
"Our opponent tomorrow is much easier compared to Colombia and Portugal. For us, it will be theoretically a bit easier because we have already played against the strongest teams in terms of squad composition. Now we are thinking about achieving a positive result," said the head coach.
He also explained the reasons for starting goalkeeper Abduvohid Ne'matov in the main lineup. According to the coach, Ne'matov was given the opportunity because he has performed well for the national team and in friendly matches.
Cannavaro noted that the World Cup should provide international experience for the players, and since the team has a goalkeeper like Ne'matov, using him is a natural decision.
It was reported that a total of 22 players have taken the field for Uzbekistan in the matches against Colombia and Portugal. So far, only four players — third goalkeeper Botirali Ergashev, Avazbek O'lmasaliyev, Umar Eshmurodov, and Jamshid Iskanderov — have not made their World Cup debut. Explaining the decision to play 22 players, the coach emphasized that it was beneficial for the team and allowed the players to test their abilities against strong opponents.
After the press conference, the Uzbekistan national team held its final training session ahead of the match against Congo. Cannavaro also stressed that the Uzbekistan national team must reach the level of Asia's leading teams — Jordan, Iraq, Japan, and Australia — in the future.
