What You Need to Know
• Portugal appointed Jorge Jesus as the new national team coach following the 2026 World Cup.
• Cristiano Ronaldo, who stated he has played in his last World Cup, has not confirmed his international future.
• Jorge Jesus indicated he would select Ronaldo for the national team if he remains fit and available.
Portugal has appointed Jorge Jesus as their new national team coach, and he has expressed his willingness to continue selecting veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo if he is available. Ronaldo, who mentioned that he has participated in his last World Cup, has yet to decide on his future with the national team after Portugal’s elimination by Spain in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. During his presentation, Jesus emphasized that Ronaldo would not be a problem for the national team and acknowledged his significance in Portuguese football history. Jesus, who previously coached Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, plans to lead the national team through the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal will co-host with Spain and Morocco.
Why It Matters
This development is significant as it highlights the ongoing role of Cristiano Ronaldo in Portuguese football, despite his recent comments about retirement from international play. Jorge Jesus’s appointment as coach marks a new chapter for the national team, especially following their disappointing performance in the 2026 World Cup. The upcoming 2030 World Cup, co-hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, presents an opportunity for the team to rebuild and potentially leverage Ronaldo’s experience. Jesus’s relationship with Ronaldo, having coached him at Al-Nassr, may influence the forward’s decision regarding his international career.
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