After dropping the World Cup, coach Roberto Martínez resigned and Jorge Jesus was appointed as Portugal’s new coach.
Portugal misplaced 1-0 to Spain within the Spherical of 16 in Dallas, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring the one aim in second-half stoppage time.
Since ending fourth in Germany in 2006, Portugal have didn’t advance past the quarter-finals previously 5 World Cups, reaching that stage solely as soon as, in 2022.
They had been eradicated within the group stage in 2014, however had been eradicated within the final 16 in 2010, 2018 and 2026, however had been by no means on the verge of successful a trophy throughout Cristiano Ronaldo’s heyday.
And after Martínez’s three-year reign ended, the Portuguese Soccer Federation (FPF) turned to former Al Nasr supervisor Jesús, a person with whom Ronaldo was well-known.
The 71-year-old has signed a four-year contract, which implies he shall be in control of Euro 2028 in Nice Britain and the Republic of Eire, in addition to his residence World Cup in 2030.
Portugal, Spain and Morocco will co-host the following version of FIFA’s flagship event, whereas Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay may even host three particular matches to mark the event’s a hundredth anniversary.
Jesus spent the primary 28 years of his teaching profession at varied golf equipment in Portugal, his greatest work being with Benfica, the place he led them to 10 trophies, together with three league titles, and two Europa League runners-up finishes.
He returned to the Estadio da Luz for a second time in 2020 and 2021, though with much less success, and in addition managed Copa Libertadores winners Flamengo, twice with Fenerbahce and Al Nasr, and Al Hilal.
He oversaw Al Nasr’s Saudi Professional League title win in 2025-2026, with Al Nasr changing into Saudi champions for the primary time since signing Ronaldo in 2023.
A brand new path begins in the present day. Welcome to the nationwide crew, Jorge Jesus. #WeViemosParaVencer pic.twitter.com/B9Re2bCuAa
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) July 10, 2026
In response to experiences in Portugal, Jesus needs to maintain Ronaldo as an vital a part of his future setup, however the 41-year-old’s worldwide future is doubtful.
Earlier than the defeat to Spain, he admitted the 2026 World Cup can be his final, however stated he wouldn’t make “rash selections” about his future.
Ronaldo scored 28 targets in 30 skilled league video games below Jesus, averaging 0.93 targets per recreation.
All through Ronaldo’s profession, solely Actual Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti (1.22), Jose Mourinho (1.13), Zinedine Zidane (0.97), Juventus’ Maurizio Sarri (0.94) and Al Nasr’s Luis Castro and Rudi Garcia (each 1.1) have averaged extra targets per recreation within the league than Ronaldo.
