Fernando Santos has been named the head coach of Poland until 2026 as soon as his contract with Portugal expired.

Santos, 68, managed the Selecao for more than eight years and led them to triumphs at Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League's debut match.

Despite those victories, Santos' team's recent style of play has angered Portugal's supporters, who felt that he was not performing to the full potential of the talented roster at his disposal.

Santos' contract with Portugal wasn't set to expire until the end of the 2024 European Championship, but he was relieved of his duties following Morocco's upset victory against Portugal in the World Cup quarterfinal last month.

Since then, Roberto Martinez has taken his place.

Santos, who previously coached Greece for four years before taking over Portugal, hasn't wasted any time in accepting a new position either. He now has his third international appointment in a row with Poland.

After his fellow Portuguese national Paulo Sousa, who served as head coach for a brief while in 2021, and Leo Beenhakker, he will be just the third non-native head coach in Poland's history.

Cezary Kulesza, the president of the Polish Football Association (PZPN), shared a photo of himself with Santos on Monday, effectively confirming the hire and organizing a press conference for the following day.

Do zobaczenia jutro na konferencji na @PGENarodowy! pic.twitter.com/cJVk8chP3i— Cezary Kulesza (@Czarek_Kulesza) January 23, 2023

Santos' first goal will be to secure Poland's qualification for a fourth successive appearance at the European Championship, with the 2024 edition to take place in neighbouring Germany.

He will then be tasked with leading Poland to the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States, after which his contract is due to end.