1 min read
Football Insider

The Future of Jose Mourinho: Potential Offer for Portugal Job Post-2026 World Cup

Following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, there are strong indications that Jose Mourinho will be approached for the role of Portugal manager. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) is reportedly planning to secure Mourinho as the successor to Roberto Martinez, with considerations for a transition after the global tournament. Mourinho, currently at Benfica, has expressed his interest in international management, highlighting a desire to lead the Portuguese national team to a major tournament and create unity through sports.

The Future of Jose Mourinho: Potential Offer for Portugal Job Post-2026 World Cup

It is reportedly expected that Jose Mourinho will be offered the job as Portugal manager after the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) are set to swoop for the current Benfica boss when Roberto Martinez's contract expires at the end of the global tournament.Mourinho returned to Benfica for a second spell in September after agreeing a two-year deal with the Liga Portugal giants. However, ESPN claims that the FPF will likely try to lure the 63-year-old into the top international post after Martinez departs.The report also points out that should Mourinho leave Benfica, recently sacked Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is the most obvious replacement, given he spent nine years at the club in his playing days and is still a revered coach in his homeland after a trophy-laden stint at Sporting CP.Mourinho expressed his desire to move into international management in January last year, when he was still in charge at Fenerbahce in Turkey. "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," he said in an interview with Corriere Dello Sport. "I want to do it for football and what this sport represents. It will be incredible."In August, when addressing links to Brazil, he clarified that he has his eye on the Portugal job first, telling Sporty Net: "My destiny, in terms of internationals, is to play in a World Cup with the Portuguese national team. I never considered coaching the Brazilian national team. My first experience has to be with Portugal, and then people have to understand that I'm a professional and that I can coach other teams, but always teams with which I have something that connects me. Brazil, obviously, because of the historical relationship between our countries, England because it's my home, Italy, I worked there for several years, but my first experience with the national team has to be mine."Benfica have had a mixed run since welcoming Mourinho back, exiting both domestic cups and slipping seven points behind Liga Portugal leaders FC Porto, which led to a tense training ground confrontation with supporters. However, Mourinho did mastermind a Champions League miracle, as Benfica secured a place in the knockout stage playoffs after beating his former club Real Madrid 4-2 in the final round of league phase fixtures, with goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scoring a dramatic goal to take them through in the eighth minute of stoppage time.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingMourinho has also been linked with a homecoming at Real Madrid, where Alvaro Arbeloa is currently leading the first team. It has been claimed that it is club president Florentino Perez's "ultimate goal" to reunite with the Portuguese tactician. However, he came out to rubbish that possibility in an interview with Sport TV last month: "Don't count on me for soap operas. There are good soap operas, but they're very long; you miss one or two episodes and then you lose track. Don't count on me, because I don't watch soap operas."There will be another meeting between Real and Mourinho soon, though, because Benfica were drawn against the Spanish giants in the Champions League playoffs. The first leg of that tie will take place in Lisbon on February 17, but first Benfica must contend with a trip to Santa Clara in the Liga Portugal on Friday.Auto translated by GOAL-e

1

Mourinho's Aspirations and Potential Transition

Jose Mourinho expressed his intentions to venture into international management, emphasizing his eagerness to lead a country in a major tournament. With an eye on the Portugal job, he hopes to replicate the success he has achieved with club teams on the international stage. The potential move, post-2026 World Cup, could mark a significant chapter in his illustrious career.

2

Benfica Stint and Champions League Triumph

Since his return to Benfica, Mourinho has navigated a mixed run of results, including notable successes in the Champions League. Benfica's thrilling victory over Real Madrid in the final league phase match, securing a spot in the knockout stage, showcased Mourinho's tactical prowess and ability to inspire his team in crucial moments. Despite challenges in domestic competitions, Mourinho's impact on Benfica has been notable.

3

Potential Real Madrid Reunion and Current Focus

Amidst speculation linking Mourinho to a return to Real Madrid, the Portuguese coach remains focused on his current role at Benfica. With upcoming clashes against Real Madrid in the Champions League playoffs, Mourinho's attention is directed towards preparing his team for the challenging fixtures ahead. While rumors persist about a potential reunion with Real Madrid, Mourinho has dismissed such speculations, emphasizing his commitment to his present responsibilities.

Published on Feb 10, 2026
The Future of Jose Mourinho: Potential Offer for Portugal Job Post-2026 World Cup | Streameast | StreamEast APP Network