Asian champions Qatar have parted ways with coach Marquez Lopez after a poor showing in World Cup qualifiers and promoted his assistant Luis Garcia as new boss, the Qatar Football Association announced on Wednesday.
Spaniard Lopez led Qatar to their second Asian Cup title in a row in February after replacing Carlos Queiroz last December.
Luis García is appointed Qatar National team coach 🇶🇦. pic.twitter.com/KuJ2ay27Lu
— Qatar Football (@QFA_EN) December 11, 2024
Former Spain international Garcia, who has also managed LaLiga team Espanyol, joined Qatar as his No 2 at the same time.
All appreciation and gratitude to coach Marquez Lopez for his dedication and the achievements he brought during his time leading our national team 🇶🇦.
— Qatar Football (@QFA_EN) December 11, 2024
We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Thank you, Lopez 🙏 pic.twitter.com/yzaRfRRNzg
"All appreciation and gratitude to coach Marquez Lopez for his dedication and the achievements he brought during his time leading our national team. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours," the Qatar FA posted on X.
Lopez had signed a contract extension until 2026 in February following his Asian Cup win, but leaves after Qatar suffered an embarrassing 5-0 loss to United Arab Emirates in the World Cup qualifiers last month.
Qatar face UAE again next month at the Arabian Gulf Cup.
Lopez's men have also disappointed in the World Cup qualifiers, as they sit fourth in their group in the third round with seven points from six matches, six points behind second-placed Uzbekistan.
Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, announces that Qatar will host the U-17 FIFA World Cup from November 5 to November 27, 2025.
— Qatar Football (@QFA_EN) December 10, 2024
pic.twitter.com/JcuBPbdZpB
The top two qualify directly while the next two go into a fourth round.
Qatar, who hosted the 2022 World Cup, play North Korea in March, with four matches still to go.