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José Mourinho: The “Heir” to the Portuguese Bench After the 2026 World Cup
The Portuguese Federation is already planning Roberto Martínez's replacement: "The Special One" is the chosen one to lead the Lusos after the next World Cup.
The path for José Mourinho seems to be traced toward a destination he himself has described as "his destiny": the Portugal national team. According to reports from ESPN, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has decided to offer him the position once Roberto Martínez's contract concludes after the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
A Return with an Expiration Date at Benfica
Although Mourinho returned to Benfica last September with a two-year contract, his stay at the Estádio da Luz could be shorter than expected. The FPF sees the 63-year-old coach as the ideal leader for the post-2026 cycle, which would open the door to a domino effect: Rúben Amorim, recently departed from Manchester United, is rumored as the favorite to fill the vacancy "Mou" would leave at the Eagles.
"Uniting a Country": Mou's Big Dream
Mourinho has never hidden his desire to try his hand at international football. In recent statements, the coach emphasized his ambition:
"I want to play in a European Championship or a World Cup and unite a country around a team... My first experience has to be with Portugal."
He even publicly ruled out options like Brazil, reaffirming that his emotional and professional connection to his homeland is the absolute priority before considering other international giants.
The "Champions Miracle" as a Calling Card
Despite an irregular start in the domestic league, where Benfica currently sits seven points behind Porto, Mourinho has once again proven his worth on European nights. His greatest recent achievement was defeating Real Madrid 4-2 in the Champions League league phase, qualifying the team in dramatic fashion for the playoffs with a goal from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin in the final moments.
This "miracle" has reinforced the idea that his tactical and mental capacity remains elite—exactly what Portugal is looking for to take the next historic step.












