Julen Lopetegui has described his experience coaching the Qatar national team as 'an incredible experience, tremendously constructive'. The former Spain manager, who was sacked on the eve of the 2018 World Cup, will lead Qatar in their first World Cup qualification campaign.
A Long Road Back
When the Qatari team's flight from Dublin landed in Los Angeles on 30 May, applause erupted on board. For the 26 players, it marked their first World Cup qualification. For Lopetegui, it is his third World Cup, but this time he will finally get to coach a match.
'Football didn't owe me anything,' Lopetegui said at the team hotel in Montecito, Santa Barbara. Yet, he acknowledges that this opportunity feels like a moment he owed himself. The simplest reason for accepting the Qatar job 12 months ago was clear: the World Cup.
World Cup History
Lopetegui's first World Cup was USA 1994, where he was Spain's third-choice goalkeeper and did not play a minute. In 2018, he was Spain's head coach but was sacked one day before the tournament started after agreeing to coach Real Madrid afterward. Now, he gets his chance.
Qatar may be considered the weakest team in the tournament, with their preparation hindered by bombings and lack of competition. Lopetegui, however, is determined to compete.
Lessons from the Past
Reflecting on 1994, Lopetegui recalled a back injury that nearly cost him his spot. Coach Javier Clemente initially dismissed his concerns but later called up Santi Cañizares after Zubizarreta's red card. Lopetegui was named third-choice as a reward.
Lopetegui is one of three coaches at the 2026 World Cup who played in 1994, alongside Hong Myung-bo and Ronald Koeman. He is the only former goalkeeper among them.
Coaching Philosophy
Lopetegui's coaching style has been shaped by his time at Barcelona under Johan Cruyff and his Basque roots, which also produced Mikel Arteta, Xabi Alonso, and Andoni Iraola. He emphasizes collective effort and tactical discipline.
Despite the painful memory of 2018, Lopetegui says he would make the same decision again. 'We always took what we thought were the right decisions from a position of deep respect for our responsibilities.'
Qatar's Unique Challenges
Lopetegui took on the Qatar job for two main reasons: to achieve something no one had done (qualifying for the World Cup, as Qatar were hosts in 2022) and to test himself in a different context. The team's preparation has been far from ideal.
In March, planned friendlies were canceled when Iran bombed Qatar. Players were unable to train for three weeks due to safety concerns. 'It was unpleasant, unlike anything I have ever experienced,' Lopetegui said. He stayed while his family returned home, feeling a duty to his team.
Building a Competitive Team
Lopetegui emphasizes the need for a realistic message that balances excitement with reality. 'We know that when the ball comes out with Qatar in, the other teams are happy. That shouldn't annoy us; we should know. They have to beat us.'
He is focused on creating a competitive structure that maximizes Qatar's strengths and hides their weaknesses. 'We have to construct the best competitive scenario. We can't let a player's head drop, but nor can we think we're something we're not.'
'All this has been an incredible experience, tremendously constructive, a reset,' Lopetegui said. 'When you go to a World Cup, you can think: 'Bloody hell, this is a success.' But you can't just cling on to that. We're going to the World Cup to compete. We've earned the right to try.'
