Lopez took over the helm in December 2023 replacing Islamic Republic of Iran tactician Carlos Queiroz before guiding the Maroons to their second consecutive AFC Asian Cup™ title on home soil.

“Luis Garcia, former coach of Espanyol Barcelona and head assistant coach under Tintin Marquez has been appointed as the head coach, in a signal of the impact the former coach has left on the QFA,” read the QFA statement on X.

“Luis Garcia has expressed gratitude to both the QFA and coach Marquez for the opportunity to lead the senior national team into the most important competition in the region starting on Dec 21st in Kuwait.”

In their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 campaign, Qatar currently sit fourth in the standings after a recent 5-0 defeat to the United Arab Emirates, leaving them nine points behind Group A leaders Iran.

Garcia's first task will be to seek redemption as Qatar face the UAE in their 2024 Gulf Cup Group A opener on December 21.