Julen Lopetegui appointed Qatar head coach, with World Cup qualification his first task

DOHA: Qatar yesterday announced the appointment of Spaniard Julen Lopetegui as their new head coach, tasking the experienced tactician with the immedi...

DOHA: Qatar yesterday announced the appointment of Spaniard Julen Lopetegui as their new head coach, tasking the experienced tactician with the immediate challenge of securing a berth at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 58-year-old former Spain and Real Madrid boss has signed a contract running until 2027, the Qatar Football Association (QFA) confirmed.

“The contract was signed by Mansoor Al-Ansari, the General Secretary of the Qatar Football Association, at the association’s headquarters in Al Bidda Tower, in the presence of Jassim bin Rashid Al-Buainain, President of the Qatar Football Association,” the QFA said in a statement.

Lopetegui takes over from Luis Garcia, who had a brief stint in charge after replacing Marquez Lopez, who was dismissed in December. Garcia, previously Lopez’s assistant, led the national side during the Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait, where Qatar failed to reach the semi-finals.

He also oversaw two World Cup Qualifiers – guiding Al Annabi to a 5-1 victory over North Korea before a 3-1 loss to Kyrgyzstan.