The Uzbekistan Football Association made a high-profile attempt to strengthen the national team ahead of the country’s first-ever World Cup — offering the head-coach position to Joachim Löw. The talks were held online with the participation of Uzbekistan’s embassy in Berlin. However, after taking time to reflect, the German specialist declined. Against the backdrop of preparations for their World Cup debut, the news caused a notable stir among supporters.
How the Talks Unfolded
The parties stayed in contact remotely: the potential authority of the coaching staff, contract length, and the national team’s preparation program for the World Cup were discussed. The format of the dialogue indicated the seriousness of the Uzbekistan Football Association’s (UFA) intentions, but the sides never reached a concrete stage of agreement.
What Might Have Influenced the Decision
No official explanation followed from Löw. What is known is that he evaluated the proposal carefully for several days. For specialists of this caliber, the key factors typically include the project’s alignment with personal ambitions, the degree of control over the sporting department, and the planning horizon — these factors likely played a role.
Fan Reaction
Some Uzbekistan fans took the refusal hard: expectations were high, and many dreamed of seeing a foreign coach with an impressive résumé and major-tournament experience on the touchline. At the same time, pragmatic voices are being heard: more important than a big name is a coach who can quickly fit into the team’s structure and raise its level during the preparation period.
What’s Next for Uzbekistan’s National Team
The federation now needs to narrow the shortlist promptly. The profile of the ideal coach is clear: international expertise, the ability to build a game model in a short time, tournament-management skills, and a track record of developing emerging leaders.
Focus — World Cup Debut
Before the historic tournament kicks off, high-quality training camps, a dense schedule of friendlies against opponents with different styles, and a clear tactical model are critical. Regardless of the head coach’s surname, Task No. 1 is to turn the World Cup debut into a step forward for all of Uzbek football.
