Al-Nassr expected to pick Jorge Jesus successor within fortnight as World Cup timing clouds options

Al-Nassr are reported to want to appoint a successor to Jorge Jesus within the next two weeks, but the club’s timeline is complicated by potential targets who are tied to national teams and may only be available after the 2026 World Cup. The appointment comes after Jesus confirmed he would not continue following Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League title success.

Why it matters

The decision will shape the post-title era at a club that finished the season as Saudi champions. With Cristiano Ronaldo remaining a central figure at Al-Nassr and reported to have significant influence over the project, the identity of the next coach will have immediate implications for recruitment, playing style and the club’s long-term plans.

Who is in the frame — and who might not be available

Media reports list several high-profile names linked to the vacancy. Pep Guardiola has been mentioned as a dream target after his success in Europe, though coverage describes any contact as exploratory rather than an agreement. Abel Ferreira, noted for his achievements in South America, is also named among the candidates. Perhaps most prominently, Roberto Martinez has been linked to the role; he is currently Portugal’s national team manager and would only realistically be available after the 2026 World Cup.

Timing and the World Cup factor

Former Al-Nassr legal department manager Saad Al-Subaie is quoted as saying the club hopes to conclude the process within the next two weeks. That window overlaps with the run-up to the 2026 World Cup, which creates a practical constraint: several high-profile managers linked to the job are involved with national teams or could only become available once international tournaments finish.

The World Cup timing is particularly relevant for Martinez. Any move for a sitting national team manager is likely to be delayed until after the tournament, so Al-Nassr face a choice between appointing someone immediately or waiting for a preferred target.

Context: Jesus’s short-term tenure and title fulfilment

Jorge Jesus had previously indicated his stay in Saudi Arabia was intended to be short-term and confirmed he would not continue after delivering the Saudi Pro League title. His final match saw Al-Nassr secure the championship with a 4-1 win over Damac; Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in that game. Jesus said he took the job with the aim of winning the league alongside Ronaldo, a promise he fulfilled.

• Al-Nassr plan to name Jorge Jesus’s replacement within about two weeks (source: Saad Al-Subaie, per World Soccer Talk).
• Jorge Jesus confirmed he would not continue after winning the Saudi Pro League title.
• Roberto Martinez, Pep Guardiola and Abel Ferreira have been linked in reports — Martinez would likely only be available after the 2026 World Cup.
• Al-Nassr’s title-clinching win over Damac featured a brace from Cristiano Ronaldo; Jesus said he accepted the role in part to deliver a league title for Ronaldo.

What is unclear and needs confirmation

The reporting does not include any official statement from Al-Nassr confirming the two-week target or an agreed successor. It also does not confirm the club’s preferred candidate, whether Ronaldo has a formal veto or decision-making role, or whether formal approaches have been made to any of the managers named in media coverage. Those points require verification from club communications or multiple independent sources.

What happens next

According to the report, Al-Nassr intend to settle the matter quickly. If the club proceeds within the two-week timeframe they could appoint an immediate replacement — potentially someone not tied to international duty. Alternatively, if their preferred target is a national-team manager, a short-term appointment or caretaker could be used until that person becomes available after the 2026 World Cup. Confirmation of any appointment will need an official club announcement or reporting from multiple reputable outlets.