Shocking Claim: Jorge Jesus Allegedly Drafted Saudi Arabia's World Cup Playbook for Iraq Match
2 April 2026
Allegation Details
A Saudi journalist dropped a heavyweight claim, saying that Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, then in charge of Al-Nassr, was the person who devised the Saudi national team's plan for the World Cup 2026 playoff against Iraq.
Saudi Arabia qualified for the 2026 World Cup after a goalless draw with Iraq in October, clinching advancement on goal difference following their earlier win over Indonesia.
Falah Al-Qahtani of Okaz revealed on the Hajmah podcast that Jesus prepared the plan. He said Jesus attended the training camp, spoke with players, designed the plan, and then left the camp.
He said Jesus was involved in the match day strategy but soon departed, a claim that raises questions about the boundaries of club vs national team responsibilities.
With rumors swirling, Jesus is repeatedly linked to leading the Saudi national team at the World Cup 2026, possibly replacing French coach Hervé Renard as results have faltered in recent months.
Jesus is competing for the role with other coaches recently mentioned, such as Italian Simone Inzaghi, Irish-Italian Brendan Rodgers, and Walid Rekraki, the former Morocco boss.
Punchline: If this is a plan, let’s hope the VAR was consulted by a fortune teller.
Context and Potential Impact
With the rumors swirling, Jesus remains one of the hot names linked to the Saudi national team for the 2026 World Cup, amid a crowded field of candidates and ongoing scrutiny of results.
He is mentioned alongside other coaches recently discussed for the role, including Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, Brendan Rodgers, and Walid Rekraki, as Saudi football navigates the post-Renard phase.
