Portugal decide on Roberto Martinez replacement immediately after World Cup exit

July 7, 2026

Jorge Jesus will be the next Portugal head coach.

Multiple reports from the nation claim that football federation head Pedro Proenca will meet with the 71-year-old to sign a contract upon returning to Portugal.

Sources claim it will be a four year deal, covering Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup which Portugal co-host.

Portugal need a new coach after Roberto Martinez announced he was leaving upon a World Cup last 16 exit to Spain.

The Spaniard departs with a Nations League title to his name.

Portugal’s deal with Jesus

Portugal also won’t have to pay a fee for Jesus’ services, with the serial winner a free agent after leaving Al Nassr.

Jesus has won titles in every country he’s coached across Spain, Brazil, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

He ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s drought with Nassr and then immediately stepped down.

Speaking after his departure, he acknowledged reports he’d already rejected Brazil and talked up a Portugal move.

“Who can say no to the national team?” he said.

“I’ve already said no to one of the best national teams in the world, I can’t say no to another…

“ll be on vacation in Portugal and then I’ll go to Brazil to see my friends in Rio. We’ll see what happens until June.

“I’m not considering that possibility. The World Cup is coming, Portugal needs peace and quiet, the coach needs peace and quiet, I don’t want to get involved in that mess.”

Earlier reports claimed that Jesus had agreed a return to Fenerbahce, which he appeared to be open to when discussing his titles in every country.

He continued: “It’s not just in Saudi Arabia. I won in Portugal, in Brazil, Fenerbahce, Al Hilal… The only country where I wasn’t league champion was Fenerbahce…

“Maybe I have a story to finish at Fenerbahce. It’s one of the possibilities. I’ll think about it.

“I’m going to Portugal for a few days of vacation. Then I plan to go to Brazil for a few days, see my friends. Next year we’ll see where I end up.”

A reporter then followed up by asking if Fener fans can be excited about him returning.

“They can,” he said. “There has already been an interested party.

“Not only Fenerbahce, another Turkish team made me an offer. There are three big teams in Turkey: Fenerbahce , Galatasaray and Besiktas.

“Of those three, it was two. The second team is still a secret.”

Fener have since announced a new coach, and there were rumours of a job swap between Jesus and Martinez.

Martinez was linked with Nassr during the World Cup, but that job has since gone to Ange Postecoglou.