Ex-West Ham boss Lopetegui named Qatar manager

Julen Lopetegui has been appointed head coach of the Qatar national team, almost four months after being sacked by West Ham.

The 58-year-old Spaniard's deal runs until 2027 and takes in the ongoing qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Qatar, who participated at the last World Cup as hosts, failed to secure a spot for next year's finals in the initial qualification stage but can still progress with further rounds being played.

Lopetegui has previously worked in international football as Spain manager.

He took over in 2016 but was sacked two days before the 2018 World Cup after being appointed Real Madrid manager.

His tenure in Madrid ended after four and a half months, after which he took charge of Sevilla and won the Europa League.

He moved to Wolves in November 2022 but left the following summer.

He was named West Ham manager at the start of the current season but was sacked and replaced by Graham Potter after six months, having recorded only six league wins.