Lisbon: Portugal are reportedly set to appoint Jorge Jesus as their new national team manager after their disappointing FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended with a Round of 16 defeat against Spain. The experienced Portuguese coach is expected to replace Roberto Martinez, who confirmed his departure after Portugal’s premature exit from the tournament.

Portugal’s World Cup journey came to an end after Mikel Merino scored a late winner to secure a 1-0 victory for Spain. The defeat was particularly painful for the nation as it marked the final World Cup appearance of legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who was hoping to lift the trophy in what was expected to be his last appearance on football’s biggest stage.

Roberto Martinez steps down after Portugal disappointment

Roberto Martinez took charge of Portugal in 2023 after leaving his position as Belgium manager. However, despite having one of the most talented squads in international football, he could not guide Portugal to a deep World Cup run.

Following the elimination, Martinez announced his decision to step aside, saying that the team needed “a new voice and a new leader” to continue its development.

During his tenure, Martinez built a squad filled with attacking talent and experienced players, but Portugal struggled to produce consistent performances in major knockout matches. Their early exit from the 2026 World Cup once again raised questions about the team’s ability to convert their individual quality into tournament success.

Jorge Jesus emerges as preferred replacement

According to reports from Portuguese media, Jorge Jesus is the leading candidate to become the next Portugal manager. The 71-year-old coach has extensive experience in Portuguese football and has previously managed some of the country’s biggest clubs, including SL Benfica and Sporting CP.

Jesus also has a strong connection with Cristiano Ronaldo after managing him at Al Nassr FC in the Saudi Pro League. Under Jesus, Al Nassr won the league title in May, with Ronaldo playing a key role in the team’s success.

The appointment could provide Portugal with a manager who understands Ronaldo’s leadership style and the demands of managing elite-level players. Jesus’ tactical experience and knowledge of Portuguese football are believed to be major reasons behind his selection.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup chapter

The 2026 FIFA World Cup marked the end of Ronaldo’s incredible World Cup journey. The 41-year-old forward had already announced that this would be his final appearance in the competition, although he has not confirmed whether he will retire from international football completely.

After Portugal’s elimination, Ronaldo said that no “rash decisions” would be made regarding his future with the national team.

Ronaldo’s World Cup career included six tournaments, 27 appearances and 11 goals. While his overall numbers were impressive, Portugal never managed to win the trophy during his era.

Since making his World Cup debut in 2006, Portugal finished fourth in that tournament, reached the Round of 16 in 2010, exited during the group stage in 2014 and suffered another last-16 elimination in 2018. Their best result during Ronaldo’s later years came in 2022 when they reached the quarter-finals.

However, their defeat against Morocco in the 2022 quarter-final and the 2026 exit ensured Ronaldo’s World Cup dream remained unfulfilled.

Ronaldo still created history in 2026

Despite Portugal’s disappointing campaign, Ronaldo continued to add to his remarkable list of achievements. During the tournament, he became the first player in history to feature in a World Cup knockout match at the age of 41 or older.

In Portugal’s Round of 32 victory over Croatia, Ronaldo also faced former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric in a historic encounter featuring two outfield players aged 40 or above.

The forward scored his first-ever World Cup knockout goal in that match, becoming the oldest goalscorer in a World Cup knockout fixture at 41 years and 147 days.

Earlier in the tournament, Ronaldo scored twice in Portugal’s 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, becoming Portugal’s leading World Cup scorer with 10 goals. He surpassed legendary forward Eusebio’s previous record of nine goals.

Ronaldo also created history by becoming the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cup editions, further strengthening his status as one of the greatest players in football history.

Portugal look towards a new era

The potential arrival of Jorge Jesus represents a new chapter for Portugal football. The national team remains filled with world-class talent, including players capable of competing for major honours.

However, the challenge for the new manager will be building a successful team beyond the Ronaldo era while maintaining Portugal’s status as one of Europe’s strongest football nations.

Jesus will inherit a squad with enormous expectations, and his first major task will be finding the right balance between experienced players and emerging stars.

Portugal’s World Cup exit ended Ronaldo’s dream of winning the biggest prize in football, but the country’s journey continues with the possibility of a new leader at the helm.

Conclusion

Jorge Jesus is reportedly set to take charge of Portugal following Roberto Martinez’s departure after the FIFA World Cup 2026 exit. With Ronaldo’s international future uncertain, Jesus faces the challenge of guiding Portugal into a new era while maintaining their ambitions of winning major tournaments.