FIFA World Cup 2026 — Who is Qatar’s coach?

Qatar begins its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Switzerland in a Group B match at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara on Saturday.

The Asian champions will be led by Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui, who took over the national team in 2025 and guided it to the World Cup through qualification, four years after Qatar made its tournament debut as hosts.

Julen Lopetegui’s track record as a coach:

• Matches: 431

• Wins: 242

• Draws: 95

• Losses: 94

• Win percentage: 56.1

Julen Lopetegui’s record as Qatar coach:

• Matches: 10

• Win: 2

• Draws: 3

• Losses: 5

• Win percentage: 20.0

• Goals scored: 8

• Goals conceded: 17

What did Lopetegui say before Qatar vs Switzerland?

Before the match against Switzerland, Julen Lopetegui said that Qatar did not expect any gifts at the World Cup and wanted to be as competitive as possible.

He also said that Switzerland is a very strong team and emphasized that Qatar is focusing more on the present than on past disappointments.

What are Lopetegui’s most important achievements as a coach?

Julen Lopetegui won the UEFA European Under-19 Championship with Spain in 2012 and the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2013.

At club level, he achieved his greatest success with Sevilla, who won the UEFA Europa League under him in the 2019/20 season. He also guided Sevilla to three consecutive Champions League qualifications.

(With input from agencies)

Published on June 13, 2026