Julen Lopetegui Appointed Qatar Head Coach Until 2027

Julen Lopetegui, former coach of Spain, Real Madrid, and West Ham, has been appointed as head coach of Qatar's national football team on a contract running until 2027, replacing Luis Garcia. Lopetegui returns to international management for the first time since his abrupt dismissal from Spain before the 2018 World Cup. He will lead Qatar through the remaining qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with his first match scheduled at home against Iran on June 5. Qatar, who hosted the 2022 World Cup and won the Asian Cup in both 2019 and 2022, are currently fourth in their qualifying group and are vying for a playoff spot. Lopetegui has previously won the Europa League with Sevilla and achieved success with Spain's youth teams. His appointment reflects Qatar's continued ambitions on the international football stage.