Roberto Martinez has officially stepped down as head coach of the Portugal national team following the country’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Spanish manager announced his departure after Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16, confirming that his time in charge had come to an end.
Speaking after the match, Martinez described Portugal’s World Cup exit as the end of a cycle and said he saw no reason to continue after failing to achieve his main objective of winning the tournament.
“There is no sense in continuing,” Martinez said, adding that his contract had concluded following the World Cup.
Martinez was appointed Portugal manager in January 2023 after leaving Belgium. During his tenure, he guided Portugal to the 2025 UEFA Nations League title and oversaw the team’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Despite entering the tournament among the favourites, Portugal’s campaign ended in the Round of 16 after substitute Mikel Merino scored a stoppage-time winner to send Spain into the quarter-finals.
Martinez also paid tribute to captain Cristiano Ronaldo, praising the 41-year-old’s leadership and commitment throughout the tournament.
Ronaldo had already confirmed before the Spain match that the 2026 World Cup would be his final World Cup with the national team.
The Portuguese Football Federation is now expected to begin the search for a new head coach as the national team prepares for its next competitive cycle.
