Amorim Tipped to Lead Benfica if Mourinho Takes Portugal Post After 2026 World Cup
News reports indicate that the future of the coaching staff at Portuguese club Benfica could undergo significant changes following the 2026 World Cup finals, amidst expectations that José Mourinho might take over as head coach of the Portugal national team.
According to ESPN sources in Portugal, Rúben Amorim is considered the leading candidate to succeed José Mourinho at Benfica and return to the Estádio da Luz.
Amorim enjoys strong support within Benfica, not only due to his successful coaching career in Portugal but also because of his historical connection to the club, having spent nine years as a player there. Amorim previously excelled at the helm of Sporting CP, leading the team to two Portuguese league titles during his tenure at the Estádio José Alvalade.
Although his recent experience with Manchester United did not meet expectations, as he left the team this season in sixth place in the Premier League, his stock remains high in Portugal. Under his leadership, United played 20 league matches this season, securing eight wins, seven draws, and five defeats. He also reached the Europa League final last May, where his team lost 1-0 to Tottenham at San Mamés in Bilbao.
Media reports indicate that the Portuguese Football Federation is considering offering the head coach position to Mourinho immediately after the expiration of Spanish coach Roberto Martínez's contract, which concludes with the national team after the World Cup. It is worth noting that the Portuguese national team is in Group 11 of the 2026 World Cup, alongside Uzbekistan and Colombia, in addition to the qualifier from the play-off which includes DR Congo, Jamaica, and Caledonia.
