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Portugal Ends Martinez Era as Jorge Jesus Nears Appointment

The federation is moving quickly to reset the national team ahead of Euro 2028 qualification with Portugal due to co‑host the 2030 World Cup.

Overview

  • The Portuguese Football Federation said it officially ended its contract with coach Roberto Martinez and his staff on Wednesday following Portugal’s World Cup exit.
  • Portugal were knocked out of the 2026 World Cup after a 1-0 Round of 16 loss to Spain sealed by a late Mikel Merino goal, a result that prompted calls for a new voice in the team.
  • Multiple outlets report veteran club coach Jorge Jesus has reached agreement to become the next Portugal manager on a reported four‑year deal running to the 2030 World Cup, though the federation has not yet published formal contract details.
  • Jesus worked with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al‑Nassr and local media say he will take the Portugal job despite a substantial pay cut from his Saudi club salary, a detail that remains reported rather than officially confirmed.
  • Martinez has been linked to other national vacancies such as Scotland and the coaching change has already affected markets tied to Portugal, including spikes in the $POR fan token and related betting odds.