According to reports, José Mourinho may take charge of the Portugal national team before the 2026 World Cup, reuniting with Cristiano Ronaldo.

In the months leading up to the winter transfer window, rumors circulated about Cristiano Ronaldo moving to the Turkish Süper Lig and joining Fenerbahçe under Mourinho, but Mourinho denied these claims. Now, months later, the possibility of their reunion with the Portugal national team has gained momentum.

According to CNN and Goal, the Portuguese Football Federation is considering appointing Mourinho for the 2026 World Cup. This comes despite Roberto Martínez’s strong performance as Portugal’s coach, achieving the fastest record of 20 wins.

The Portuguese Football Federation aims to maximize its chances of success in the World Cup with a bold decision. Reports suggest they are even considering paying Mourinho’s release clause from Fenerbahçe, though this depends on Portugal’s results in the UEFA Nations League finals.

Mourinho has always dreamed of coaching Portugal since the beginning of his managerial career. In 2007, while managing Chelsea, he said: “Coaching Portugal is a dream, but not for today’s Mourinho.” Later, in 2019, he stated:“I would like to do this before the end of my coaching career, but there is still a long way to go, and we’ll see if the opportunity arises.”

Mourinho has had opportunities to coach Portugal before. The first time was when he was managing Real Madrid, but Florentino Pérez, the club’s president, prevented it. Mourinho said in a 2024 interview with Fabrizio Romano:“I was offered the national team job twice. The first time was at Real Madrid, but Florentino said it was impossible to take both roles.”

During Mourinho’s tenure at Real Madrid, he fielded Cristiano Ronaldo in 164 matches, with Ronaldo scoring 168 goals and providing 49 assists—a period many consider the peak of Ronaldo’s career. Now, over a decade after their separation, there is a possibility of them reuniting for the 2026 World Cup with the Portugal national team.