When the Qatari squad's plane from Dublin landed in Los Angeles at 2.12pm on 30 May, passengers on the Boeing 777-300ER clapped. For the 26 players this marks their first qualification for a World Cup. For the coach guiding them it marks his third visit, yet this time differs because matches await him.

"Football owed me nothing," Julen Lopetegui remarks in the team hotel dining room in Montecito, Santa Barbara, though perhaps he owed himself such a moment. Among many motives for accepting the Doha post a year ago, the clearest stood out: this is the World Cup.

Lopetegui first reached a World Cup 32 years ago, also in the United States. His most recent trip was Russia in 2018. In 1994 he remained unused as Spain's reserve goalkeeper and never anticipated playing time.

Eight years ago he arrived as Spain head coach unbeaten across more than two years yet was dismissed the day before the event after accepting the Real Madrid job to begin afterward.

Now he returns for a third attempt. Qatar may rank among the tournament's weaker sides and preparation suffered from regional tensions plus limited fixtures, yet Lopetegui insists his side will compete fully.

The match that sealed Spain's 1994 qualification came against Denmark the prior November. Lopetegui recalls suffering a back injury weeks earlier and phoning coach Javier Clemente to explain he could not join the squad safely.

Clemente dismissed concerns in his typical blunt style, noting the backup role meant limited risk. When an injury struck the first-choice keeper early in the match, the next goalkeeper stepped up and secured his place in the hierarchy.

Despite limited form at Logroñés and ongoing discomfort, Lopetegui earned a call as third choice in recognition of his honesty. Pain limited enjoyment yet he contributed support from the sidelines.

Among three coaches at this World Cup who played at USA 94, Lopetegui remains the sole former goalkeeper. He notes few peers transitioned from that position into coaching roles.

After USA 94 he joined Barcelona as a reserve and sat near Johan Cruyff, whose influence sparked curiosity even if defensive advice was scarce.

Cruyff fostered inquisitiveness; a photo from one Super Cup final shows nine starters later became coaches themselves.

Spanish coaching traditions stressing collective play, combined with Basque roots shared by several peers, plus family athletic background, steered Lopetegui toward management and eventually leading Spain.

That honour ended abruptly when he was removed by the federation president one day before the tournament, leaving him to return alone while Spain struggled without him. He later described it as his saddest day.

Via spells at Real Madrid, Sevilla, Wolves and West Ham he now stands at another World Cup.

Thoughts turn to Russia and missed chances, yet Lopetegui rejects nostalgia, citing constant work and lessons that built resilience. He would repeat prior choices because they reflected honest judgment.

An opportunity arrives at last. Qatar offered a major test after automatic qualification and a fresh setting. The aim includes reaching the finals and testing limits in unfamiliar surroundings.

Early results against regional sides helped build momentum despite differing player pools and limited domestic minutes for young talents. Competition levels and match rhythm presented the starkest contrasts.

Planned friendlies vanished amid regional conflict, forcing internal sessions and restricted training. Safety alerts kept players indoors and disrupted preparation, yet Lopetegui stayed to fulfil duties.

The episode proved enriching and sharpened his coaching approach. Emphasis fell on realistic messaging that preserved motivation while acknowledging limitations across three matches.

Opponents may celebrate draws against Qatar, yet the focus stays on building competitive balance without false expectations or lowered ambition.

The entire period delivered personal growth and humility. Reaching the World Cup counts as success yet demands continued sharpening rather than complacency. Qatar earned the right to compete rather than merely appear.