The Qatar Football Association has decided to part ways with head coach Julen Lopetegui, according to Qatari newspaper Al Sharq. The decision follows a 3–0 defeat to Australia in Doha, with one match left in Qatar’s November international window.
Lopetegui is expected to take charge of Tuesday’s friendly against South Korea at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium on 17 November. Both Al Sharq and Spanish newspaper AS report that it is likely to be his final game in charge. His contract runs until April 2027.
Australia scored all three goals in the first half. Riley McGree opened the scoring in the fifth minute, Tete Yengi doubled the lead in the 32nd and Nestory Irankunda added the third in the 40th. Lopetegui made changes after the break, but the score remained unchanged.
The postponement of the Asian Cup was a factor in the decision over Lopetegui’s future. Qatar were due to defend their title in Saudi Arabia in January 2027, but the tournament was moved to 23 December 2027–21 January 2028, with the opening match falling around eight months after his contract expires.
Lopetegui took charge in May 2025 and led Qatar to the 2026 World Cup through the Asian play-offs, beating the United Arab Emirates 2–1 to secure their place. It was Qatar’s second appearance at the finals and their first through qualifying, having made their debut as hosts in 2022.
Qatar earned their first-ever World Cup point with a 1–1 draw against Switzerland but exited at the group stage after losing 6–0 to Canada and 3–1 to Bosnia and Herzegovina. They also reached the Gulf Cup semi-finals, where they lost to Saudi Arabia on penalties.
Lopetegui led Spain to European titles at under-19 level in 2012 and under-21 level in 2013. He took over the senior side in 2016 and remained unbeaten until he was dismissed two days before Spain’s opening match at the 2018 World Cup, following the announcement that he would become Real Madrid coach.
At club level, Lopetegui managed Porto and Real Madrid and enjoyed his greatest success at Sevilla, winning the Europa League in 2020. He went on to manage Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United in the Premier League before taking the Qatar job.
