Great for the Show!

Jose Mourinho Tipped for MLS Move After 2026 FIFA World Cup Boom

As the world gears up for another spectacular football summer with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the conversation isn’t only about the stars on the pitch. It’s also turning to the sidelines—and more specifically, to one of the game’s most iconic figures: Jose Mourinho.

The man who has lit up Europe’s top leagues with his charisma, silverware, and, let’s admit it, drama, might just be headed Stateside. And if that happens, you can be sure of one thing—it will be great for the show.

A New Frontier for the Special One?

Jose Mourinho currently calls Istanbul home, managing Turkish giants Fenerbahce. But his contract runs out in the summer of 2025—just in time for him to make a clean break and potentially explore new horizons. At 62 years old by then, he’ll still have the fire, the tactical acumen, and the appetite for a challenge.

MLS, once regarded as a semi-retirement league for Europe’s aging stars, has evolved rapidly. The arrival of Lionel Messi to Inter Miami sent ripples through the global football community. Stadiums are fuller, TV ratings are climbing, and investment is pouring in like never before. The upcoming 2026 World Cup is expected to turbocharge that momentum, and in the midst of all that buzz, Mourinho’s name is starting to float around.

Malouda Weighs In

Former France international Florent Malouda, who knows Mourinho well from their Chelsea days, recently spoke on behalf of bet365 and made a compelling case for why the Portuguese tactician could thrive in MLS.

“Jose Mourinho in MLS? That depends on the franchise,” said Malouda. “He likes to have a real impact on how his squad is chosen. And another factor will be the season—it starts around February or March and it would be hard for him to go in and have an impact now. But after the World Cup, football will be more developed, and there will be even more franchises. Someone like him would be great for the show.”

It’s a point well made. Mourinho isn’t the type to walk into a club mid-season and play catch-up. He wants control, time, and a project. MLS clubs—especially newer franchises hungry for identity and headlines—could very well give him that.

The Mourinho Effect

Wherever Mourinho goes, attention follows. Whether it was Porto’s Champions League fairytale, the swaggering early days at Chelsea, or his explosive tenure at Real Madrid, he never left a fanbase indifferent. He wins. He frustrates. He inspires loyalty and criticism in equal measure. And above all, he entertains.

For MLS, a league still growing in international relevance, having someone like Mourinho on the touchline would be a marketing dream. Think of the press conferences. The soundbites. The rivalries. The tactical masterclasses and mind games. It’s a reality TV producer’s fantasy wrapped in a football manager’s coat.

Timing is Everything

Jose Mourinho Fenerbahce 2024-25

The stars may just be aligning for such a move. Mourinho’s time in Turkey has been mixed. While the Fenerbahce faithful welcomed him with open arms, reports suggest he’s already clashed with club hierarchy over transfers and sporting direction—classic Mourinho territory.

With his contract up in 2025 and the World Cup taking place the following summer, a move to the U.S. in late 2026 could be perfect timing. By then, the league will be basking in post-World Cup afterglow, and clubs will be looking to capitalize on a wave of fresh interest. Enter Mourinho—stage right.

Portugal: Another Option on the Table

Of course, Mourinho’s path doesn’t just lead west. There’s long been speculation that he harbors ambitions to manage Portugal’s national team. And should Roberto Martinez fail to impress at Euro 2024 or the 2026 World Cup, that door could swing wide open.

Managing his home nation at a major tournament has always been something Mourinho hasn’t ruled out. If Cristiano Ronaldo’s final international chapter doesn’t deliver glory, and Portugal stumble, the Portuguese Football Federation could look to the most decorated manager the country has ever produced.

Would He Fit MLS?

Now, let’s get real—could Mourinho actually work in MLS?

Tactically, yes. Mourinho has adapted throughout his career, from his early days of intense pressing and vertical play to more pragmatic, counter-attacking styles. MLS is a mixed bag tactically—some teams play possession, others sit deep—so he’d find matchups that suit him.

In terms of personality, he’d be magnetic. His confrontational style might ruffle feathers, but in a league often accused of being too polite, too vanilla, he’d inject a bit of edge. And let’s not forget—MLS is entertainment as much as sport.

There’s also the cultural side. Mourinho is multilingual, worldly, and understands how to sell a story. He’s already a media darling in the UK and Europe; imagine the ESPN and Apple TV segments in the U.S. He wouldn’t just be a coach—he’d be a headline machine.

Which Club Could Be the Right Fit?

Jose Mourinho Chelsea

Not all MLS clubs are created equal. Some, like Inter Miami and LA Galaxy, love a splash. Others, like Seattle Sounders and Philadelphia Union, take a more methodical, academy-driven approach.

If Mourinho is to come, it’ll likely be to a team with ambition and budget. Perhaps a newly formed franchise post-2026, looking to build fast and make headlines. Or an existing club willing to pivot and give Mourinho the keys to the kingdom.

Think San Diego FC, who are joining in 2025. Or maybe even a rebounding giant like Chicago Fire or Houston Dynamo looking to reignite their spark. With MLS expanding, there will be no shortage of suitors.

A Story Worth Watching

So, what’s next for Mourinho? Nobody ever really knows—not even him, sometimes. But one thing’s for sure: the idea of him bringing his charisma, experience, and box-office appeal to MLS after the 2026 FIFA World Cup is no longer just a wild fantasy. It’s a real possibility.

And whether you love him or loathe him, Mourinho in MLS would be… well, great for the show.