Lopetegui’s New Challenge in Qatar

Julen Lopetegui, the Spanish coach recently departed from West Ham United, is reportedly on the verge of accepting a managerial position wiht the Qatar national team. The primary objective: securing Qatar’s place in the 2026 FIFA world Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Sources indicate that Lopetegui is poised to sign a two-year contract,tasking him with navigating the challenging Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifiers.

The Road to 2026: Qatar’s Qualification Path

With the expanded format of the 2026 World Cup, the AFC has been allocated 8.5 slots. Qatar’s journey to qualification involves navigating a complex series of rounds.

Currently, qatar is competing in the third round of Asian qualifiers. They are vying to finish in either third or fourth place within Group A. As it stands, Iran has already secured their qualification as group winner. Uzbekistan is strongly positioned to claim the second automatic qualification spot.

However, Qatar’s chances of overtaking Uzbekistan in Group A are mathematically impossible. Uzbekistan currently holds 17 points, while Qatar can only reach a maximum of 16.

Navigating the Qualification Rounds

To advance to the fourth round,Qatar must win one of the two groups of three teams they will be placed in. Success in this round guarantees a spot in the 2026 World Cup.

Should Qatar finish second in their group, they will proceed to a fifth round. This round offers a pathway to the International Repesca, a final opportunity to qualify for the World Cup through inter-confederation play-offs.

Lopetegui’s Redemption Arc?

This appointment offers Lopetegui a chance to rebuild his reputation after a less-than-triumphant stint with West Ham, which ended in his dismissal just months prior. His experience at the international level, albeit turbulent, could prove invaluable to Qatar’s World Cup aspirations.

A Look back: Lopetegui’s Tumultuous Past with Spain

Lopetegui’s history with national teams is marked by controversy. He was famously dismissed as the coach of the Spanish national team on the eve of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. This decision came after the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) discovered that Lopetegui had already agreed to become the manager of Real Madrid following the tournament. Fernando Hierro afterward took charge of Spain for the World Cup.

The RFEF felt betrayed by Lopetegui’s actions, leading to his immediate dismissal.

Various Reports