Jose Mourinho is expected to be offered the opportunity to become Portugal’s next head coach following the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) is reportedly preparing a move for the current Benfica manager once Roberto Martinez’s contract expires at the conclusion of the tournament.
Martinez is set to lead Portugal through the 2026 finals, after which the federation is expected to initiate its succession plan.Mourinho returned to Benfica in September for a second spell at the club, signing a two-year agreement with the Liga Portugal side. However, reports indicate the FPF is keen to appoint the 63-year-old to the national team role as part of its long-term strategy.
Should Mourinho depart Benfica, former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has emerged as a leading candidate to replace him. Amorim, who spent nine years at Benfica as a player, remains highly regarded in Portuguese football following a successful, trophy-laden tenure at Sporting CP.
Mourinho has previously made clear his ambition to move into international management. Speaking in January last year, he expressed a desire to lead a national team at a major tournament.“I want to play a European Championship or a World Cup and unite a country around a team, as I have already done many times with the clubs,” Mourinho said. “I want to do it for football and what this sport represents. It will be incredible.”
In August, addressing speculation linking him with the Brazil job, Mourinho reaffirmed that Portugal would be his preferred destination.“My destiny, in terms of internationals, is to play in a World Cup with the Portuguese national team,” he said.
“My first experience has to be with Portugal. After that, people have to understand that I’m a professional. But my first experience with the national team has to be mine.”
Further developments are expected following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, as Portugal prepares for a potential new era under one of its most decorated managers.
