Azerbaijan’s national team has officially parted ways with their head coach, Fernando Santos, following an embarrassing 5-0 loss to Iceland in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign. The decision was made by mutual agreement, as announced by the Azerbaijan Football Federation (AFFA) on Monday, September 8, 2025. Santos, who previously earned acclaim for guiding Portugal to European Championship and Nations League titles, failed to replicate that success in Baku.
Appointed in June 2024, he ended his tenure winless in 11 matches—managing only two draws alongside nine defeats. The hammer blow came as Azerbaijan conceded five goals inside the first 30 minutes against Iceland.
A legacy defined by struggle
Under Santos, Azerbaijan’s form never improved. He set a rather unwelcome benchmark—becoming the only coach in the country’s history to manage over ten games without a victory. Across his stint, the team scored just four goals while conceding 29.
The 5-0 defeat was particularly humiliating given its lethality in the opening half hour, prompting intense criticism from the AFFA’s Secretary General, Jahanhir Farajullayev. He lambasted the coach’s strategy, calling it “flawed from the very beginning” and said the team—and its supporters—did not deserve such management. Farajullayev added that the players were not at fault and urged more commitment and a tactical rethink.
There was also urgent follow-up escalation inside the federation. Reports indicate Santos was ordered to submit an in-depth report on the defeat, and a meeting with AFFA president Rovshan Najaf was reportedly scheduled to decide his fate.
The end of the line
Following the Iceland rout, the decision to part ways was confirmed as mutually agreed, effectively ending his ill-fated reign. Sources suggest that if Santos leaves early, he would be entitled to compensation—potentially a substantial sum, reportedly in the millions—based on the duration remaining under his contract.
In a blunt post-match answer to Azerbaijani media, he’d stated: “Why should I resign? Show me a coach who just leaves. I have a valid contract,” suggesting he had no intention of stepping down independently. That position no doubt made his exit more complex.
A swift transition ahead
AFFA also announced that Ayxan Abbasov, the current coach of the Azerbaijan U21 team, will take over on an interim basis ahead of the next qualifier against Ukraine, scheduled for Tuesday. It’s a quick shift, signaling an urgent need for stability and spark before the campaign slips further.
Hopes for renewal
The federation’s official move, along with Abbasov’s promotion, highlights a shift toward renewal. Santos’ legacy could not be seen as anything but a disappointment. From the AFFA’s harsh words and his own reluctance to resign, it looks like one misstep too many sealed his fate.
Azerbaijan have now turned the page as they gear up to host Ukraine. The fans, having endured a steep decline—from losing 6-0 to Sweden in the Nations League to the current lethal form—are now hopeful for a reset. The U21 coach steps into the breach with the task of restoring pride and competitiveness.
