Jorge Jesus Set to Lead Portugal After Martínez Exit

Jorge Jesus is poised to become the next Portugal head coach, stepping into the role in the immediate aftermath of the country’s painful World Cup exit to Spain.

Portuguese daily “A Bola” reported that Jesus, recently freed from his contract in Saudi Arabian football, has emerged as the clear, consensus choice to lead a new cycle for the Seleção. His appointment is expected to be formalized once he meets Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), in the coming days, after the federation’s delegation returns from the United States.

A new era is coming quickly. The old one ended in stoppage time.

Martínez bows out after late heartbreak

Roberto Martínez’s tenure finished with the thud of a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the round of 16, decided by a dramatic, late strike from midfielder Mikel Merino deep into second-half stoppage time. A tight, balanced Iberian clash slipped away in the final moments, and with it went Martínez’s spell in charge.

He confirmed his departure almost immediately after the final whistle, speaking in the press room as the disappointment still hung in the air.

“It is the end of the cycle. It is important now to have that again, and it is legitimate for the president to choose his national team coach. I am grateful for all the support they gave me,” Martínez said, drawing a clear line under his time with Portugal.

One cycle closed in a single sentence. The next is already being drawn up.

A talented squad, an uneven campaign

Portugal arrived at the 2026 World Cup with one of the most gifted squads in their history, but their tournament never truly caught fire.

They opened the group stage with a draw against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a result that immediately injected a note of tension into their campaign. A resounding win over Uzbekistan briefly restored order and confidence, only for a goalless draw with Colombia to stall momentum again. Second place in the group was enough to advance, not enough to convince.

The knockout phase brought a flicker of the resilience fans had been demanding. Portugal came from behind to beat Croatia in a rugged, fiercely contested second-round tie, hinting at a team capable of grinding its way deep into the competition.

Spain snuffed that out. The round-of-16 defeat, sealed by Merino’s stoppage-time goal, left Portugal out of the tournament and searching for answers.

Jesus to lead the reset

Into that uncertainty steps Jorge Jesus, a coach known for his intensity, tactical detail, and demanding standards. Available after his spell in Saudi Arabian football, he now stands on the brink of the job that has long hovered over his career: leading his country.

The reported meeting with FPF president Pedro Proença should finalize the agreement and mark the official start of a new project for Portugal. A gifted generation remains in place. The question now is whether Jesus can turn raw talent and sporadic flashes into a ruthless, consistent national team.

Portugal have their new man. What they do with this new cycle will define a generation.