DOHA: The Qatar Football Association (QFA) has announced the appointment of Spanish coach Luis Garcia as the new head of the national football team, Al-Annabi, ahead of the 26th Gulf Cup in Kuwait. Garcia replaces Marquez Lopez, who was relieved of his duties after a year-long tenure. The QFA expressed its gratitude to Lopez for his contributions, which included leading Qatar to victory in the AFC Asian Cup earlier this year. In a statement, Garcia thanked the QFA for the opportunity to guide the team in the Gulf Cup, set to kick off on December 21. He also acknowledged the positive impact left by his predecessor, Lopez, during his leadership of the squad. Garcia brings extensive coaching experience, having managed clubs like Espanyol and previously served as an assistant to Lopez during his stint with the national team. Qatar’s recent performance in Group 1 competitions saw them finish in fourth place with two wins, one draw, and three losses, accumulating seven points. The team is three points behind the UAE, while Uzbekistan and Iran lead the group with 13 and 16 points, respectively. The Gulf Cup presents a fresh opportunity for Garcia to reinvigorate the team and achieve success on the regional stage.