Portugal names Jorge Jesus as coach after World Cup loss

Portugal is set to appoint veteran manager Jorge Jesus as its new national team head coach following the departure of Roberto Martinez after the team's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Portuguese Football Federation is moving quickly to finalize the appointment, with Jesus expected to sign a contract in the coming days.

Martinez announced his immediate resignation after Portugal's 1-0 loss to Spain in the Round of 16 in Dallas on July 6. Substitute Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in added time, ending Portugal's tournament and what was captain Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup campaign. Martinez, whose contract was set to expire after the tournament, stated that failing to win the World Cup made it illogical for him to continue. He described his tenure, which began in early 2023, as the experience of his life but said it was time for a new cycle and a new leader.

The federation's president, Pedro Proença, has reportedly selected the 71-year-old Jesus to lead the team into that new era, which will include the qualification campaign for Euro 2028 and preparations for the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal will co-host with Spain and Morocco. Jesus is currently...