Qatar will be banking on a fresh approach under new head coach Julen Lopetegui as the Asian World Cup 26 enters its decisive final phase this month.
The two-time AFC Asian Cup champions, now out of contention for an automatic berth, are focused on securing a playoff spot for the FIFA World Cup 2026 — to be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. Spaniard Lopetegui, a former manager of Spain and Real Madrid, replaced compatriot Luis Garcia and has overseeing the training session with the national team since last week.
Qatar, currently fourth in Group A with 10 points, face already-qualified Iran on Thursday before taking on second-placed Uzbekistan five days later. With Kyrgystan trailing by four points, a win in either of the two matches will be enough for Lopetegui’s men to book their playoff place.
“The long-term vision, for now, is the June 5,” Lopetegui said recently. “Then, it will be the June 10 — that’s how football works. We have a very balanced squad with players of different playing styles. We have to be able to work with them and fill the energy around the group ahead of all these matches. While not easy, a win against Iran is still possible.”
Lopetegui is one of three newly appointed head coaches stepping into high-pressure roles at the business end of Asia’s qualifying campaign. The United Arab Emirates, also in Group A, handed the reins to Romanian tactician Cosmin Olaroiu after parting ways with Paulo Bento.
Olaroiu arrived fresh off guiding Sharjah FC to the AFC Champions League Two title — his 14th club-level trophy in the region. “I have a very difficult mission,” Olaroiu said after his appointment. “I have to pay back the hospitality this country has given me and my family. That’s why I accepted this mission.”
Having appeared at the 1990 World Cup, UAE's hopes of qualifying for Qatar 2022 were dashed following defeat to Australia in the Asian playoff and they only have an outside chance of sealing an automatic spot with Uzbekistan - who they meet on Thursday - four points ahead.
That suggests the playoffs - where another two spots are available - are their best option with Olaroiu vowing that he will do everything he can to get UAE a ticket to the finals.
“Of course I have the dream to participate in the World Cup,” Olaroiu said. “I will do my best to do that, and I think this fantastic nation deserves it.”
In Group B, Graham Arnold has been drafted in to salvage Iraq’s fading hopes of a second World Cup appearance. The former Australia boss — who led the Socceroos to Qatar 2022 via a dramatic playoff route — replaces Jesus Casas after Iraq’s costly 2-1 defeat to Palestine.
With Iraq trailing second-placed Jordan by just one point, the path remains open. But they must first overcome a difficult challenge against South Korea on Thursday before a final showdown with Jordan.
“It is obviously a wonderful opportunity,” said Arnold in his first press conference. “What is important is we all believe we can win the next two games. That is my first objective for the nation of Iraq.”
As the final rounds unfold, the pressure is on for these new tacticians to make an immediate impact — and potentially lead their teams to the global stage in 2026.
