Qatar weigh former Morocco boss Walid Regragui as Julen Lopetegui future remains unclear

Walid Regragui has emerged as a potential candidate to become Qatar’s next head coach, with uncertainty surrounding the future of Spain’s Julen Lopetegui in charge of the national team.

The Qatar Football Association has included the former Morocco manager on its list of possible replacements, according to Moroccan website Le Site Info Sport. However, there have been no formal negotiations or agreement between the two parties.

Regragui’s name has been raised as Qatar considers its options amid growing doubts over Lopetegui’s position. The Spanish coach is reportedly close to leaving his role after results failed to meet expectations, prompting the association to examine alternatives in case a change is made.

Officials in Qatar are understood to view Regragui as a suitable candidate because of his record with Morocco and the impact he made during his time as national team manager.

The 50-year-old led Morocco to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, making them the first Arab and African nation to reach the last four of the competition. That achievement significantly enhanced Regragui’s reputation and increased his standing in the coaching market.

His links with Qatari football extend beyond the World Cup. Regragui previously managed Al-Duhail in the Qatar Stars League, giving him experience of the country’s football environment and its domestic competition.

That previous spell could be an additional factor in the Qatar Football Association’s assessment, while Regragui’s connections with prominent Qatari figures may also help communication between the two sides if the association decides to move beyond its initial consideration of his candidacy.

For now, the situation remains at the stage of media reports and potential candidates. The Qatar Football Association has not announced who will lead the national team next, and Lopetegui’s departure has not been confirmed.

Regragui’s next move therefore remains unresolved, with his future dependent upon Qatar’s decision over its current coaching staff and whether the association chooses him to take charge during the next phase.