Lopetegui considering Qatar departure as European return looms

Julen Lopetegui is considering the end of his time as Qatar manager, with a friendly against South Korea on 17 November 2026 potentially his final match in charge.

The Spanish newspaper Sport, citing Qatar’s Al Sharq, reports that Lopetegui regards his spell with the national team as effectively over. However, he has not yet held a formal meeting with the Qatar Football Association to discuss his departure.

Lopetegui’s current contract with Qatar runs until April 2027, but the targets originally attached to his role extended beyond that date. He is understood to be assessing his next move and is interested in returning to European football.

A major factor in the situation has been the postponement of the Asian Cup. The tournament was moved from January 2027 to January 2028 because of increasing instability in the Middle East. The change means Lopetegui will not oversee one of the principal challenges he identified when he took the job.

The schedule change was not the only reason for the uncertainty over his position. Lopetegui had already been considering whether to continue with Qatar after the 2026 World Cup and the Gulf Cup, before the alteration to the tournament calendar.

Lopetegui’s impact in Qatar

The former Spain manager took charge during a difficult period for Qatar. The team had lost four consecutive matches and its hopes of qualifying for the World Cup had diminished.

Lopetegui helped turn around their form and guided Qatar into the World Cup qualifying play-off, where they defeated the United Arab Emirates.

That victory secured a historic achievement for Qatar: qualification for the World Cup through the qualifying competition and sporting merit for the first time. Their previous appearance, at the 2022 tournament, came as hosts and therefore did not require them to enter the qualifying process.

Under Lopetegui, Qatar also earned the first point in their World Cup history. They drew 1-1 with Switzerland in a match played in San Francisco.

The team went on to reach the semi-finals of the Gulf Cup. Their run ended against hosts Saudi Arabia, who later won the competition, with Qatar losing on penalties after the match finished level in normal time.

Europe likely destination

With his departure appearing increasingly likely, Lopetegui’s most probable next step is a return to club football in Europe. He continues to be well regarded in the managerial market because of his previous work with clubs.

La Liga and the Premier League are considered possible destinations. Lopetegui was previously linked with Espanyol after Manuel Gonzalez was dismissed as manager, and he is now seeking another opportunity at club level.