Jose Mourinho has claimed it is his “destiny” to manage Portugal at a World Cup.
The Fenerbahce boss has enjoyed incredible success at club level, winning 26 trophies, including two Champions Leagues and league titles in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain.
He has yet to experience international management, with his immediate focus concerning Fenerbahce and their Champions League playoff-round tie with Benfica.
Mourinho will likely again be watching the 2026 World Cup purely as a spectator, with Roberto Martinez tasked with getting Portugal through to the expanded 48-team tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Portugal are heavy favourites to progress from UEFA qualifying Group F, which also features Hungary, the Republic of Ireland and Armenia, with their credentials to lift the trophy for the first time underlined by their victory over Spain in the UEFA Nations League final.
But Martinez’s contract does not run beyond the World Cup, potentially opening the door for Mourinho to take charge of his country. The 2030 World Cup will be held partially in Portugal, with Spain and Morocco also hosting the centenary edition of the tournament, which will see games held in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay as part of the anniversary celebrations.
While he would also consider managing England, Mourinho believes his first job in international football would have to be with Portugal.
“I’ve been away from Portugal since 2004, and I don’t think my country would accept me coaching a team other than my own,” Mourinho told Brazilian broadcaster SportyNet.
“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.”
