Jorge Jesus Named Portugal Manager After 2026 World Cup Exit

Jorge Jesus is Portugal’s new manager. The Portuguese Football Federation announced his appointment on 10 July 2026, days after Roberto Martinez’s departure following Portugal’s Round of 16 elimination at the World Cup against Spain.

Martinez spent three years in charge of the Seleção, winning the UEFA Nations League as his only major title. The 2026 World Cup exit hastened his departure: despite fielding one of the tournament’s most competitive squads, Portugal delivered uninspired performances and exited without convincing.

Jorge Jesus, 71, has been available since leaving Al Nassr at the end of the 2025–2026 season. His name had circulated insistently for weeks as the favourite to succeed Martinez. The federation confirmed his appointment via a social media post: “Today a new path begins. Welcome to the national team, Mister Jorge Jesus.”

The question of Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with the national team remains open. The two men worked together in Saudi Arabia during the past season, with Jesus managing Al Nassr while Ronaldo played there. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, still chasing the 1,000-goal career milestone, has made no announcement about his international future. A seventh World Cup appearance in 2030 — with some matches to be held in Portugal — is not ruled out, making a partnership with Jesus all the more plausible.

The composition of the squad Jesus intends to build around him will be the first real test of his sporting project for the Seleção.