Managing Portugal during the World Cup is “my destiny”

Jose Mourinho said he was his “destiny” to manage Portugal during a World Cup.

The Fenerbahce boss was an incredible success at the club level, winning 26 trophies, including two champions leagues and League titles in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain.

He has not yet experienced international management, with his immediate objective concerning Fenerbahce and their equality in the Champions League with Benfica.

Mourinho will probably once again observe the 2026 World Cup only as a spectator, Roberto Martinez responsible for passing Portugal to the expanded tournament to 48 teams in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Portugal is heavy favorites to progress from the UEFA F qualification group, which also includes Hungary, the Republic of Ireland and Armenia, with their references to raise the trophy for the first time underlined by their Victory over Spain in the UEFA Nations League final.

But Martinez's contract does not go beyond the World Cup, potentially opening the door to Mourinho to take charge of his country. The 2030 World Cup will be held in part in Portugal, Spain and Morocco also hosting the edition of the centenary of the tournament, which will see games organized in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay as part of birthday celebrations.

Although he was also planning to manage England, Mourinho thinks that his first job in international football should be with Portugal.

“I have been far from Portugal since 2004, and I don't think my country would accept me to train a team other than mine,” Mourinho told Brazilian Sportynet broadcaster.

“My destiny, in terms of internationals, is to play in a World Cup with the Portuguese national team. I have never planned to train the Brazilian national team.

“My first experience must be with Portugal, then people must understand that I am a professional and that I can train other teams, but always teams with whom I have something that connects me.

“”Brazil, obviously, because of the historical relationship between our countries, England because it is my house, Italy, I have been working there for several years, but my first experience with the national team must be mine. »»