Overview
- Jorge Jesus was appointed Portugal head coach on July 10 and has since disclosed he was approached last year by the Brazilian Football Confederation about helping pick a Brazil squad.
- Jesus told Canal 11 that the CBF asked him in the wake of Brazil’s 4-1 qualifying loss to Argentina but his contract with Saudi club Al Hilal prevented him from taking the job.
- He said he would have selected one or two different players for Brazil’s World Cup squad and singled out Flamengo forward Pedro as the country’s best centre‑forward while admitting a personal bias.
- Carlo Ancelotti was appointed Brazil coach on May 12, 2025 and stayed in charge through Brazil’s round-of-16 exit to Norway at the 2026 World Cup, while Portugal also fell in the round of 16 to Spain.
- The disclosure sharpens debate over how federations balance club contracts, foreign hires and player selection and could shape Portugal’s rebuilding for Euro 2028 and broader calls for squad renewal in Brazil.