The Qatari Football Association announced on Wednesday that it has reached an agreement with Marquez Lopez to coach the national team, succeeding Portuguese Carlos Queiroz, who parted ways with the Asian Cup holders shortly before the appointment of the Spanish coach.
The Qatari federation stated on the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter: "The Qatari Football Association announces its contract with Spanish coach Marquez Lopez to take charge of the national team."
The Qatari federation thanked Al Wakrah Club for agreeing to allow coach Lopez to lead the national team during the upcoming phase. Lopez, 61, has been coaching Al Wakrah since 2018, with a contract extending until 2024.
The Qatari federation had previously announced the amicable separation from Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz before the Asian Cup, stating on X: "The Qatari Federation announces the termination of the mission of Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, who was overseeing the national team during the previous phase, by mutual agreement."
It added: "The Qatari Football Association extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to Mr. Queiroz for all he has contributed during the past period and wishes him success in his future career."
Qatar had contracted Queiroz in February for a deal extending to the 2026 World Cup, succeeding Spanish coach Felix Sanchez, who left the national team after his contract ended in December following Qatar's first participation in the World Cup hosted in 2022.
Queiroz, 70, previously led Iran during the last World Cup, where the team was eliminated in the group stage. The Asian Cup will be held in Qatar from January 12 to February 10.
