Walid Regragui emerges as Qatar candidate amid Julen Lopetegui uncertainty

Walid Regragui, the former Morocco manager, has been identified as a potential successor to Julen Lopetegui as Qatar consider their options for the national team’s next phase.

The Qatar Football Association has included Regragui on its shortlist of possible appointments, according to Moroccan outlet Le Site Info Sport. The report says there is growing interest in the 50-year-old, although no formal negotiations have been announced and no agreement has been reached between the two parties.

Regragui’s name has emerged as uncertainty continues over Lopetegui’s position as Qatar head coach. The Spanish manager is reported to be nearing the end of his tenure after results failed to meet expectations, prompting the association to examine alternative candidates in case a change is made.

Qatar officials are understood to regard Regragui as a suitable option because of his achievements with Morocco. He guided the Atlas Lions to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, making them the first African and Arab side to reach the last four of the competition.

That run significantly raised Regragui’s profile in the international coaching market. Morocco defeated a number of highly regarded opponents during the tournament before becoming the first team from either the Arab world or Africa to reach a World Cup semi-final.

The coach also has previous experience of working in Qatari football. Before taking charge of Morocco, Regragui managed Al Duhail in the Qatar Stars League. That spell gave him an understanding of the country’s football environment and domestic competition, which could strengthen his appeal should Qatar’s interest develop further.

Regragui is also understood to have links with prominent Qatari figures. Those relationships could help establish communication between the two sides if the association moves beyond considering his candidacy and begins official contact.

For now, however, his possible appointment remains at the level of media reports and potential candidates. The Qatar Football Association has not formally announced who will lead the national team next, while Lopetegui’s departure has not been confirmed.

Regragui therefore remains open to several possibilities as he waits for Qatar to clarify its position on the current coaching staff. Any decision on his future will depend on whether the association chooses to retain Lopetegui or proceed with a change at the top of the national team.