"Ready for a new chapter. Welcome Lopetegui. "We're excited to embark on this journey together," the Qatar Football Association wrote on social media.

"I'm ready" the Spaniard said in a video accompanying the post on X.

The 58-year-old, who also managed English club West Ham, has signed a contract with the hosts of the 2022 World Cup until 2027 when Qatar will defend their AFC Asian Cup™ title.

Lopetegui will be in the Qatari dug out for the first time during an AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 home match against Islamic Republic of Iran on June 5.

Qatar, who play Uzbekistan away five days later in their concluding match, are out of the running for an automatic spot to next year's FIFA World Cup with the playoffs - which offer an additional two tickets to the Finals - their best of qualifying.