Qatar’s football organisation stated on Wednesday that it had terminated national team coach Carlos Queiroz’s contract, replacing him with Spain’s Tintin Marquez, without explaining why.
The Qatar Football Association (QFA) revealed the departure of Portugal’s Queiroz in a series of tweets on X, formerly Twitter, before quickly announcing the selection of his replacement.
“Carlos Queiroz’s tenure of the Qatar national team has ended amicably by mutual agreement between the two parties,” the Qatar Football Association (QFA) announced, expressing “sincere gratitude” to the former head coach for “his unwavering dedication, leadership, and contributions during his tenure” .
Queiroz was appointed to his role on a four-year contract in February with the goal of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
The appointment followed Qatar’s underwhelming performance in the 2022 World Cup on home soil, in which they suffered three defeats in three group stage matches under Spanish coach Felix Sanchez.
Queiroz, a former Real Madrid and Portugal coach, guided Qatar to two victories in the first two matches of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, defeating India 3-0 and Afghanistan 8-1.
Queiroz stated on Instagram following his team’s triumph in Afghanistan that they were “competent, serious, and ambitious.”
“What happens next?” We aspire to accomplish more and do it better. We want to train and prepare better… “We’re now starting our pre-Asian Cup training camp,” he added.
Queiroz’s overall record with Qatar is five wins, two ties, and five loses in 12 matches.
The Qatar Football Association has announced that Spain’s Lopez, who coaches Qatar Stars League outfit Al Wakrah, will lead the Gulf state into the Asian Cup, which will begin in January.
“The coach will be in charge of the Qatar national team at the 2023 Asian Cup, which will be hosted in Qatar,” the Qatar Football Association (QFA) stated in a statement.
“The Qatar Football Association expresses gratitude and appreciation to Al Wakrah Sports Club for their cooperation and consent in facilitating Coach Marquez Lopez’s appointment,” the football association said in a statement.