Portugal Names Jorge Jesus as New National Team Coach After World Cup Exit
Quick Reads
- Portugal appoints Jorge Jesus as new national team coach.
- Jesus replaces Roberto Martínez after Portugal’s Round of 16 World Cup exit.
- The 71-year-old previously managed Al-Nassr, Benfica, Sporting CP and Flamengo.
- The appointment marks Jesus’ first international coaching role.
- He could reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo if the forward continues playing for Portugal.
The Portuguese Football Federation has appointed Jorge Jesus as the new head coach of the men’s national football team, replacing Roberto Martínez following Portugal’s Round of 16 exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The appointment was confirmed on Friday.
Jesus, 71, arrives with more than three decades of coaching experience and a trophy-laden résumé spanning Portugal, Brazil, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. His most recent role was with Al-Nassr, where he coached Cristiano Ronaldo after previously managing clubs including Benfica, Sporting CP, Flamengo and Fenerbahçe.
Portugal opted for a managerial change after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16, bringing an early end to its World Cup campaign. Roberto Martínez subsequently stepped down, paving the way for Jesus to take charge of the national side for the first time in his coaching career.
Jesus is expected to oversee Portugal’s preparations for upcoming UEFA competitions while helping guide the transition between the country’s experienced stars and emerging talent. His appointment also reunites him with Cristiano Ronaldo, should the veteran forward continue his international career.
Widely regarded as one of Portugal’s most accomplished club coaches, Jesus enjoyed successful spells with Benfica, where he won multiple domestic trophies, and Flamengo, leading the Brazilian side to Copa Libertadores and league glory in 2019.
The Portuguese federation will now look to Jesus to restore momentum and prepare the team for the UEFA Nations League, Euro 2028 qualifying campaign, and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Portugal will co-host alongside Spain and Morocco.
