Lopetegui Leads Qatar to First World Cup Point in 2026 Debut
Julen Lopetegui made his World Cup coaching debut on June 13, 2026, exactly eight years after being fired by Spain. He led Qatar to a historic 95th-minute draw against Switzerland, earning the nation’s first-ever World Cup point. Qatar qualified for the tournament on merit for the first time, having previously only participated as hosts in 2022. The match took place at San Francisco Bay Arena, with Qatar next facing host Canada.
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Lopetegui: 'When you pursue a dream, you never have pressure' as Qatar makes World Cup history
Qatar made history in their debut at the 2026 World Cup, their second participation and first time qualifying through the preliminary stage, having previously hosted in 2022. They earned their first-ever World Cup point after a draw with Switzerland. Coach Julen Lopetegui stated, 'The word pressure is not in our minds... when you chase a dream, you never feel pressure. You have great ambition, great excitement, because we achieved something that had never happened in Qatar's history.' Lopetegui, a Spaniard, noted Qatar is a small country with great passion and investment. Their next opponent is Canada, one of the tournament hosts, who also drew with Bosnia in their debut. Lopetegui emphasized focusing on the future, not the past match against Switzerland.
FútbolLopetegui's Revenge: Spanish Coach Leads Qatar to First World Cup Point
Julen Lopetegui has achieved legendary status in Qatar after guiding the national team to its first-ever World Cup point, earned in a dramatic 95th-minute draw against Switzerland at the 2026 World Cup. The Spanish coach, already revered for securing Qatar's qualification, is now celebrated as a national hero. The article highlights Lopetegui's personal redemption after being fired from the Spanish national team just days before the 2018 World Cup. It also notes that Lopetegui becomes the third former World Cup goalkeeper to later coach a national team at a World Cup, following Argentina's La Volpe and Russia's Cherchesov. Qatar's next match is against host nation Canada, and the team now aims to advance beyond the group stage.
F√∫tbol en AS.comLopetegui Makes World Cup Debut Exactly Eight Years After Being Sacked by Spain
Julen Lopetegui will finally fulfill his dream of coaching in a World Cup when Qatar faces Switzerland on June 13, 2026, exactly eight years after he was dramatically sacked as Spain's head coach on the eve of the 2018 World Cup. Lopetegui was fired by RFEF president Luis Rubiales after Real Madrid announced he would take over the club post-tournament. After brief stints at Real Madrid, Sevilla, Wolverhampton, and West Ham, he took charge of Qatar in May 2025, leading them to their first World Cup qualification on the field (their only prior appearance was as hosts in 2022). Despite a poor record of two wins in 13 matches, Lopetegui's Qatar side opens against Switzerland at San Francisco Stadium. The article includes probable lineups and notes that expectations are low for the Qatari team.
FútbolLopetegui Makes 2026 World Cup Debut Against Switzerland: 'We Are Highly Motivated'
Julen Lopetegui, the Spanish football manager, is set to make his debut in the 2026 World Cup final phase against Switzerland. This marks his first appearance in a major tournament final phase since the controversy in 2018, when he was dismissed as Spain's national team coach on the eve of the World Cup after accepting a job with Real Madrid. Lopetegui expressed high motivation ahead of the match. The article, published by Record Portugal on June 13, 2026, highlights his return to the global stage and the team's readiness for the competition.
RecordLopetegui's Revenge: Qatar Coach Makes World Cup Debut Eight Years After Spain Sacking
Coach Julen Lopetegui will make his World Cup debut on June 13, 2026, exactly eight years after being dismissed as Spain's national team coach on the same date in 2018, just before Spain's opening match in Russia. Lopetegui was fired by Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales after Real Madrid announced his appointment as their new coach. After brief stints at Real Madrid, Sevilla, Wolverhampton, and West Ham, Lopetegui took over Qatar's national team in May 2025 and secured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Qatar, placed in Group B alongside Bosnia-Herzegovina and Canada, will debut against Switzerland at the San Francisco Bay Arena stadium. The Swiss team, coached by Murat Yakin, enters as favorites with only one loss in their last 14 matches. Lopetegui's Qatar side is considered the underdog, aiming to gain experience and compete in a major event after earning their place on the field, unlike their host status in the previous World Cup.
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