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Experienced Portuguese specialist Jorge Jesus is set to take over the national team, replacing Roberto Martinez. The news comes after the team's underwhelming performance at the World Cup and their elimination in the Round of 16.
According to local media reports, the 71-year-old coach reached an agreement with the Portuguese Football Federation during a meeting held in Lisbon on Thursday. His official presentation is expected to take place on Friday.
Jesus, a native of Amadora, a Lisbon suburb, has already signed a contract that will keep him in charge of the "Navigators" until 2030. This means that, if all goes to plan, he will lead the team at the 2030 home World Cup, which Portugal will co-host with Spain, Morocco, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay.
Jesus' appointment follows the resignation of Roberto Martinez, who stepped down after Portugal's 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup's Round of 16. Martinez had been at the helm for three and a half years, during which Portugal won the Nations League in 2025.
One of the most successful Portuguese coaches in recent decades, Jesus achieved his greatest successes with Benfica, leading the "Eagles" to three league titles. More recently, he triumphed in the Saudi Arabian league with Al-Nassr, the club of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
Following the disappointing World Cup exit, the future of 41-year-old Ronaldo with the national team remains uncertain, and it is yet to be seen whether he will continue to wear the national jersey.
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