Jorge Jesus set to take over as Portugal head coach

Portugal’s football federation has zeroed in on 71-year-old Jorge Jesus as the leading candidate to replace Roberto Martinez, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola. Martinez stepped down after Portugal’s early exit from the 2026 World Cup, where they fell to Spain in the Round of 16. Mikel Merino scored the only goal of the game, and a Spanish midfielder was named MVP. Jesus now faces the task of steering the Seleção toward Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal will co-host. The appointment would also reunite him with longtime captain Cristiano Ronaldo — a partnership that dates back to their time together at Saudi club Al-Nassr. Jesus managed Al-Nassr during the 2025/26 season before leaving. He had openly admitted that he took the job primarily to help Ronaldo secure his first trophy with the Knights of Najd.