Rejection! World Cup underdog wanted Löw as coach

Former German national team coach and World Cup winner Joachim Löw has rejected the opportunity to coach a certain team at the 2026 World Cup.

In an unexpected turn, Joachim Löw – famous for leading Germany to World Cup glory in 2014 – has politely turned down the opportunity to coach Uzbekistan’s debut World Cup squad, according to “BILD”.

Uzbekistan’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a historic first for the central Asian country, sparking bold ambitions in their football federation.

Early this summer, the Uzbekistan Football Association approached Löw for a pivotal role: either as the head coach or as a strategic adviser helping to shape the team’s World Cup preparation.

The latter role would perhaps have been a more suitable fit for the veteran tactician, since Löw hasn’t taken up coaching since he left his role as German national team coach in 2021.

Several news outlets noted, that Löw had indeed entered into talks with the federation, but he ultimately declined the offer. His decision reflects a desire to remain rooted in southern Baden, near his home in the Freiburg region, rather than commit to a full-time relocation.

For Uzbekistan, the setback of losing a star coach may still be a blessing in disguise. With their maiden World Cup appearance around the corner, they now have time to explore other ambitious options or bolster their existing setup under Timur Kapadze, who had been designated as a potential assistant to Löw.

As for Löw, his refusal doesn’t close the door on returning to management – it simply emphasizes his current priorities: flexibility, proximity to home, and strategic selectivity.