Jorge Jesus to be unveiled as Portugal head coach on Friday

Jorge Jesus will be officially presented as Portugal’s new head coach on Friday, July 10, after reaching an agreement with the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) to succeed Roberto Martínez, according to multiple reports in the national press.

The unveiling is set to take place at the Cidade do Futebol football training complex in Oeiras at 3pm, on the symbolic date marking the 10th anniversary of Portugal’s historic Euro 2016 victory over France – the country’s first major international football title.

The 71-year-old has reportedly agreed a contract running until the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal will co-host with Spain and Morocco. During that period, he is expected to lead the national team through three major tournaments, including the 2028 European Championship and the home World Cup.

Jesus replaces Roberto Martínez, who stepped down following Portugal’s disappointing last-16 exit at the 2026 World Cup. The Spaniard said after the defeat to Spain that, having arrived with the goal of winning the World Cup, he felt it “made no sense to continue” after falling short.

The appointment will be the first time Jesus has coached a national team, following a managerial career spanning more than three decades in Portugal, Turkey, Brazil and Saudi Arabia.

According to widespread reports in the Portuguese media, former Portugal defender Pepe could join Jesus’ coaching staff, although the federation has yet to confirm the composition of his backroom team.

Jesus is expected to name his first Portugal squad in September, ahead of the team’s opening UEFA Nations League fixture against Wales on September 24 at Lisbon’s Estádio José Alvalade.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.