Former Real Madrid and West Ham boss Lopetegui back in work with national team and has eyes set on 2026 World Cup

Lopetegui takes charge of the Qatar national team and is tasked with overseeing qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which would be their second in a row. The Spaniard departed the Hammers in January but returns to work after four months away.

The Qatar Football Association said: "The Qatar Football Association (QFA) has officially named Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui as the new head coach of the Qatar national team, with a contract extending until 2027. Lopetegui’s debut as Qatar head coach will see him guide the national squad in the remaining 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. His first assignment will be a home match against Iran on June 5, 2025, at Al Sadd Club’s Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, followed by an away fixture against Uzbekistan in Tashkent on June 10, 2025."

Lopetegui was famously sacked as Spain manager on the eve of the 2018 World Cup, when it emerged he had agreed a deal to take over as Real Madrid boss after the tournament. He will have the chance to manage on the biggest stage with Qatar should he lead them through qualification, which remains in the balance.

Qatar need points from those games against Iran and Uzbekistan to secure their spot in the next round of qualifying, where they can book their place in the US next summer.