Azerbaijan national team coach sacked — New leadership for Ukraine match
Photo: Portuguese coach Santos dismissed (azerisport.com)
The Azerbaijan national team has parted ways with head coach Fernando Santos ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Ukraine, reports azerisport.com.
Santos leaves the team
According to the Azerbaijan Football Federation (AFFA), the contract with the Portuguese specialist was terminated by mutual consent. The federation's executive committee made the decision.
A press conference that Santos was scheduled to hold on September 8 did not take place. Instead, AFFA Secretary General Jahangir Faradzhullayev addressed the media to announce the coach's departure.
Who will lead the game against Ukraine?
The duties of the head coach for the match against the Ukrainian team will be carried out by Azerbaijan U21 team coach Ayhan Abbasov.
It is worth noting that Azerbaijan started the qualification with a heavy defeat to Iceland, losing 0:5.
When the match will take place
The second-round Group D match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers between Ukraine and Azerbaijan will take place on Tuesday, September 9, in Baku. Kick-off is at 7:00 PM Kyiv time.
