New Portugal manager Jorge Jesus sets his sights on lofty ambitions: “We have everything to win the World Cup and the European Championship”

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·21 July 2026

New Portugal manager Jorge Jesus sets his sights on lofty ambitions: “We have everything to win the World Cup and the European Championship”

Article image:New Portugal manager Jorge Jesus sets his sights on lofty ambitions: “We have everything to win the World Cup and the European Championship”

Jorge Jesus has made winning World Cup 2030 a target for Portugal (Photo: FPF)

New Portugal coach Jorge Jesus gave his first interview since being appointed manager of the Seleção earlier this month.

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Speaking to the Portuguese Football Federation’s in-house channel, Canal 11, Jesus was optimistic about bringing success to the team.

“We have everything to win the World Cup and the European Championship,” he said. “The main focus will be on World Cup 2030 in Portugal. Why not dream about this possibility of winning it? We have the conditions to do so.”

Evolution, not revolution

Asked whether he would be making wholesale changes following Portugal’s disappointing display at World Cup 2026, JJ was peremptory in his response.

“Some may think the new coach is going to come in and change everything. That’s not going to happen. I’m not a donkey.

“What’s more, I don’t have much time to change players who were not called up for the World Cup. Also the number of players who I can choose from is not that large.

“That said, over the next four years, new players will appear for sure. For now I’m not going to change much from the World Cup squad. We’re talking two or three new players, not much different to that.”

As ever, much of the focus regarding Portugal’s national team involves the role played by Cristiano Ronaldo. The captain said he would not play another World Cup after the Seleção got knocked out of the tournament by eventual winners Spain, in Dallas.

But Ronaldo also made a point of saying he had not yet decided if he would retire from international football, opening the door to speculation that he would be part of Portugal’s Euro 2028 setup.

A question of status

Without directly mentioning any player, Jesus gave an indication about how he plans to manage star players and big egos within the squad.

“The players have to understand that they have different statuses. They all must stick to the same rules, but team-mates must realise that some players are different. They are different because of what they have done in their careers and the importance they have in the teams they play for. But as for rules, they are equal for all.”

Portugal are back in action on 24 September as they begin their campaign to defend the Nations League trophy, won after beating Spain in the final in June 2025 in Munich. The Seleção kick off the campaign in Lisbon (Alvalade) against Wales on 24 September.