Will Ronaldo Play the 2030 World Cup? Jorge Jesus Speaks

Last Updated on: 21st July 2026, 08:17 am

Portugal has moved quickly to appoint a new national team coach following its exit from the 2026 World Cup, and the appointment carries major implications for Cristiano Ronaldo’s international future.

Jorge Jesus Takes Over

Jorge Jesus has signed a four-year deal to coach Portugal through the 2030 World Cup, succeeding Roberto Martinez, whose contract expired following a 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup Round of 16. Portugal is set to co-host the 2030 tournament, which adds extra weight to Jesus’s four-year mandate.

The 71-year-old is no stranger to Portuguese football. He has managed 11 clubs in the country, including Benfica, where he won 10 trophies, and has also had success abroad. He is regarded as the most successful coach in Flamengo history after leading the Brazilian club to five major trophies between 2019 and 2020, and he later guided Saudi side Al Hilal to a domestic treble in the 2023-24 season.

What He Said About Ronaldo

The bigger story is Jesus’s relationship with Ronaldo. The two worked together for the past year at Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, where they won the league title together. At his unveiling in Lisbon, Jesus made clear he sees no issue with Ronaldo continuing his international career, saying Ronaldo will never be a source of conflict for him or the national team.

Jesus also praised Ronaldo warmly, describing him as a symbol of Portuguese football and someone who will go down in the sport’s history. He said he found working with Ronaldo easy and enjoyable, and that he still needs to sit down with him individually to discuss what comes next before making any decisions.

On selection policy specifically, Jesus indicated that age alone won’t keep Ronaldo off the team. He said that as long as Ronaldo is playing and fit to be selected, he will pick him, though within limits and conditions he judges best for the national side.

Will Ronaldo Actually Play in 2030?

This part remains uncertain. After Portugal’s elimination, Ronaldo said this World Cup would be his sixth and last, though he did not formally announce a full retirement from international football. He scored three goals at the 2026 tournament but still faced criticism from fans over his overall performances.

Jesus has said he still needs to talk with Ronaldo directly to learn what he wants going forward, noting that Ronaldo has previously said he intends to finish his playing career at Al Nassr.

By the time the 2030 World Cup begins, Ronaldo would be 45 years old. Whether he actually returns to the Portugal squad is still an open question, but with a coach who knows him well, trusts him, and openly calls him a symbol of Portuguese football now in charge, the door has clearly not been closed.

What’s Next

Jesus’s first match in charge will come on September 24, when Portugal face Wales in their Nations League Group D opener.