Paulo Bento Rejects Offer to Coach Uzbekistan National Team

Portuguese manager Paulo Bento has declined an offer to take charge of Uzbekistan’s national football team. The Football Association had put forward a contract designed to prepare the squad for its first ever World Cup appearance in 2026.

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Bento rejected the approach as the terms presented by the Uzbek side did not match his expectations at this stage of his career. The 62-year-old coach has been without a club since leaving his role as head coach of the United Arab Emirates in March 2025. Under his leadership the UAE remained in contention for World Cup qualification, but his contract was terminated early.

Bento previously managed Portugal and South Korea, guiding both teams to the final stages of the World Cup and European Championships.

Uzbekistan’s search for a head coach continues, with other high-profile figures such as Joachim Löw and Fatih Terim also having turned down the role.