Carlos Queiroz was fired as Qatar’s head coach just over a month before the nation hosts the Asian Cup.
Queiroz, former coach of Real Madrid, Portugal and Iran, was appointed on a four-year contract in February after Felix Sanchez left the position. Sanchez was in charge at the 2022 World when Qatar, as host, lost all three games.
The football federation issued a statement Wednesday saying “Queiroz’s tenure as head coach of the Qatar national team has ended amicably by mutual agreement.”
“The QFA expresses its sincere gratitude to coach Queiroz for his unwavering dedication, leadership, and contributions during his tenure as the head coach of the national team.”
No official reason was given for the decision, although there were concerns locally over the perceived defensive style of play adopted by Queiroz and his failure to bring young players from the country’s Aspire Academy into the senior roster.
Queiroz rejected that speculation. He was in charge for just 11 games, including wins at the start of qualification for the 2026 World Cup in November over Afghanistan and India.
