The head coach of the Azerbaijan national football team, Fernando Santos, has been dismissed, AFFA General Secretary Jahangir Farajullayev told journalists.

Axar.az informs he confirmed that the decision to part ways with the Portuguese coach was made ahead of the press conference for the national team’s Matchday 2 game against Ukraine in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which will be held in Baku.

Fernando Santos had a contract with AFFA until 2027.

After the dismissal of Portuguese coach Fernando Santos from the Azerbaijani national team, the squad will be led by U-21 head coach and “Shamakhi” manager Ayxan Abbasov in the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.

The match will take place at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium on August 9 at 20:00.