Santos [Brazil], February 25: Despite his extensive experience in international football with Spain, Julen Lopetegui has never coached at a FIFA World Cup. He came close to leading La Roja in Russia in 2018, only for fate to deny him that moment at the final hurdle. Now, the opportunity returns - this time in the colours of Qatar.
Standing once again on the brink of the world's biggest tournament, Lopetegui will aim to prove that postponed dreams can still find their stage at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Architect of Spain's revival
It is impossible to discuss Spain's resurgence over the past decade without mentioning Lopetegui. He was the architect who reshaped the tactical identity of Spain's national teams across several age groups, leaving his imprint on an entire generation of players.
Lopetegui began his journey with the Spanish Football Federation as a talent developer and youth coach. Between 2010 and 2014, he guided Spain's U-19, U-20 and U-21 teams, where his coaching philosophy began to flourish. During that period, he led Spain's U-19 and U-21 sides to UEFA European Championship glory, in 2012 and 2013 respectively.
When he succeeded Vicente del Bosque as head coach of the senior national team in 2016, expectations were high. Lopetegui responded by overseeing a remarkable 20-match unbeaten run of 14 wins and six draws.
Under his leadership, Spain rediscovered their authority following UEFA EURO 2016 and stormed through qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia with attacking flair and defensive solidity. Although he was ultimately unable to lead the team at the finals in Russia, many regarded that squad - in identity, style and spirit - as unmistakably his, even as Spain exited in the round of 16 against the host nation.
A demanding challenge with Qatar
Following his appointment as Qatar head coach, Lopetegui told FIFA: "It was the right moment in my career for me to take on the responsibility of leading this national team and heading up the country's football project for at least the next two years to come."
That long-term project was precisely what convinced the Qatar Football Association to place their trust in the Basque coach. The national team required a builder - a coach capable of nurturing talent and integrating it into a competitive system able to challenge the world's elite in North America.
The task has not been straightforward. Qatar were forced into the fourth round of Asian qualifying after a turbulent campaign, and their early group-stage exit at the recent FIFA Arab Cup served as a warning for the broader footballing landscape.
Yet Lopetegui understands that football rarely follows the script. The ambition of shining on the world stage carries a unique power. "The prospect of playing at the World Cup is what really spurs us on," he said.
Qatar's road to 2026
Qatar began the second round of Asian qualifying strongly, topping their group on 16 points with five wins and one draw, creating optimism that the road to North America would be smooth. However, the third round presented a sterner test. Drawn in a group alongside IR Iran, Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates, Qatar faced fierce competition.
A 3-1 home defeat to the UAE and a draw with Korea DPR set the tone for an inconsistent campaign.
Although victories over Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan offered hope, heavy defeats, including a 4-1 loss to Iran and a 5-0 setback against the UAE, saw Qatar finish fourth on 13 points, behind the two direct qualifiers.
Appointed in early May 2025, Lopetegui guided Qatar into the decisive fourth round knowing there was no room for error. Drawn alongside the UAE and Oman, his side drew 0-0 with the latter before facing a crucial encounter against the UAE in Doha on 14 October 2025.
On that night, Qatar rediscovered the spirit that had once made them Asian champions. Lopetegui's tactical management proved decisive as Boualem Khoukhi and Pedro Miguel headed home in a 2-1 victory that secured Qatar's place at the World Cup for the first time via qualification.
A first World Cup experience
For Lopetegui, the 2026 tournament represents a unique chapter - his first World Cup as a head coach. It also comes amid scrutiny following recent inconsistencies in Qatar's results.
The World Cup, however, is a competition like no other. Qatar will be determined to erase memories of their disappointing showing on home soil four years ago and secure their first-ever victory at the global finals.
The draw has placed them in Group B alongside Switzerland, Canada and the winner of European Play-off Path 1 - a group that offers genuine opportunity for Al Annabi to make history and reach the knockout stage. Lopetegui's experience, his hunger to prove himself and a squad featuring notable talent offer Qatar renewed belief, despite recent doubts.
History suggests that great coaches often thrive under pressure. Lopetegui, watched by the world, will seek to demonstrate that Qatar's qualification was no accident, and that his absence from the bench in Russia was merely a postponement of a World Cup story still waiting to be fully told.(fifa.com)
Source: Qatar Tribune
