Qatar Dreams Big: Pep Guardiola Eyed as 2022 World Cup Coach
Qatar’s ambition to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup on home soil is no secret—and now the oil-rich Gulf nation appears to be aiming for one of the biggest names in football to lead that mission: Pep Guardiola.
The current Bayern Munich coach, whose contract runs until 2016, is reportedly being courted by the Qatari Football Federation as the ideal figure to build and prepare their national team over six years in the run-up to the tournament. Sources close to the matter indicate that Qatar is prepared to make a massive financial offer—something rarely declined in a nation where money is never an obstacle in sports.
Guardiola already shares ties with the country, having played for Al Ahli between 2003 and 2005 at the twilight of his playing career. That connection, along with Qatar’s immense resources and desire for football glory, could be enough to convince the Spaniard to take on a project unlike any other.
Such a move would likely mean Guardiola stepping away from European club football—at least temporarily—after conquering it with Barcelona and now competing at the highest levels with Bayern. But for a coach who’s achieved nearly everything at club level, leading a national team on the world stage—especially one with the backing and vision of Qatar—might present an irresistible challenge.
A Look at Pep Guardiola’s Illustrious Record
As a Player (FC Barcelona):
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6× La Liga Champion
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2× Copa del Rey Winner
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4× Spanish Super Cup Winner
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1× UEFA Champions League Winner (1992)
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2× UEFA Super Cup Winner
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1× European Cup Winners’ Cup Winner
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Olympic Gold Medalist with Spain (1992)
As a Coach (FC Barcelona):
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3× La Liga Champion
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2× Copa del Rey Winner
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3× Spanish Super Cup Winner
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2× UEFA Champions League Winner
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2× UEFA Super Cup Winner
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2× FIFA Club World Cup Winner
As a Coach (Bayern Munich):
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1× Bundesliga Champion
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1× DFB-Pokal Winner
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1× UEFA Super Cup Winner
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1× FIFA Club World Cup Winner
If this dream scenario materializes, Qatar could go from host to legitimate World Cup contender, all under the guidance of one of the most successful and respected football minds of this generation. The ball is now in Guardiola’s court.
