CORNERFLICK
Former Al Hilal and Al Nassr manager Jorge Jesus is on the verge of being appointed as Portugal's new head coach following the national team's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. An official announcement is expected in the coming days.
Portugal's World Cup campaign came to an end on Monday night after a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16, a result that also marked the end of Roberto Martinez's tenure in charge of the Seleção.
Martinez confirmed his departure after the match, which was played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, paving the way for the Portuguese Football Federation to begin the search for his successor.
According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, the 71-year-old Jesus is scheduled to meet Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença next week to finalize the remaining details of his contract before being officially unveiled as Portugal's new head coach.
Jesus is expected to sign a four-year deal that will keep him in charge through the end of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The tournament will be co-hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, with the federation hoping the experienced coach can build a squad capable of challenging on home soil.
The veteran manager has enjoyed considerable success in Saudi Arabian football in recent years. Across two spells with Al Hilal and Al Nassr, he guided Al Hilal to the Saudi Pro League title in the 2023-24 season before leading Al Nassr to the league crown in the 2025-26 campaign.