Although it may seem there is plenty of time until the 2026 World Cup hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada, in national-team football that is very little. It’s no secret that national teams don’t gather daily like clubs; they assemble only in FIFA windows. A head coach uses precisely these slots to efficiently instill his style and tactical ideas. So, if Bento takes charge of our national team, how much preparation time will there be before the World Cup?
First, we will not count this FIFA window that includes the CAFA tournament — most likely Kapadze will finish his tenure with it.
OCTOBER (6–14):
Bento’s first camp will run on 6–14 October. Before that there are Super League, AFC CL Elite and AFC CL fixtures. Thus, there is a chance to play 2 matches in the October FIFA window.
NOVEMBER (10–18):
The next training camps fall on the 10–18 November FIFA dates. For our clubs on the international stage, the season ends in December.
WINTER PERIOD (21 DECEMBER – 18 JANUARY):
According to the calendar, there are free days from 21 December to 18 January. However, considering player vacations and late season finishes, a January camp is possible but not certain. Players must fully prepare for the season with their clubs. Whether Bento holds a camp in January or not is currently unknown: what his views are, when and at what time he will assemble — we don’t know.
MARCH (23–31):
At the beginning of March the domestic league kicks off (earlier for those on the international stage). Uzbekistan’s national team will gather on 23–31 March and continue preparations. This is also an 8-day slot.
JUNE (1–9):
The final preparation stage will be held between 1–9 June.
SUMMARY — TIME COUNT:
In total there are plus-minus about 40 days of camp time. Potential January camps are not included here — they are only considered a possibility.
In short, every FIFA window is a “golden barrel” for the national team: style and tactics, rotation and opponent selection are refined in these days. Bento’s task is clear as well: make maximum use of the available 40-day window and firmly instill plan and discipline in the team.
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