Jose Mourinho claims coaching Portugal at the World Cup is his 'destiny' as Fenerbahce boss also opens door to future role with England

Mourinho has long made it clear he would like to be Portugal manager but is currently still working in club management with Turkish side Fenerbahce. The former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss was linked with the Brazil job earlier this season, before Carlo Ancelotti was appointed, but says his first national team role will have to be with Portugal.

He told Sporty Net: "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. 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."

Robert Martinez is the current Portugal boss and guided his team to victory in the Nations League in the summer but there has been speculation that Mourinho could replace him this summer. Portugal are due to start World Cup 2026 qualifying in September with trips to Armenia and Hungary.

In the meantime, Mourinho will continue with Fenerbahce, who are currently focused on trying to secure a spot in the 2025-26 Champions League. Mourinho's side knocked PSV out of qualifying last time out and go on to play Benfica in the first leg of their play-off tie on Wednesday.