Roberto Martinez has announced his departure as Portugal head coach following the team’s elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026, bringing an end to his three-and-a-half-year spell in charge. Portugal’s campaign came to a close after a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 at Dallas Stadium. Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in injury time to send Spain into the quarter-finals, while Portugal’s hopes of lifting the World Cup were ended. Speaking after the match, Martinez confirmed that the clash against Spain was his final game as Portugal manager and said he saw no reason to continue after falling short of the team’s ultimate objective. “I came to Portugal to win the World Cup and I think that, without winning it, there’s no point in continuing,” Martinez told reporters. “The board and the president now have the opportunity to choose the new manager… my contract ends today. There isn’t much more to say.” The former Belgium coach, who took charge of Portugal in 2023, revealed that his departure had not been decided before the tournament. During his tenure, he guided the national side to the quarter-finals of UEFA EURO 2024 before leading them to the UEFA Nations League title in 2025. Confirming his exit, Martinez reflected warmly on his time with the national team. “Yes, it’s my last game for the national team,” he said. “I’m very proud… I’ve felt welcomed as just another Portuguese person, in a very warm way. It’s been a pleasure, a source of pride and a responsibility.” The defeat also marked the end of Cristiano Ronaldo‘s World Cup career. The 41-year-old had already confirmed before the match that the 2026 tournament would be his last appearance on football’s biggest stage. He finishes his World Cup career with 11 goals in 27 matches and became the first player to score in six different editions of the tournament. Martinez paid an emotional tribute to his captain, praising Ronaldo‘s professionalism and dedication throughout their time together. “There aren’t many Cristiano Ronaldos,” Martinez said. “His dream was to win the World Cup, and he gave everything for that dream. He has been an example as a footballer, as a captain and as a human being.” Reflecting on Portugal’s defeat, Martinez felt his side had matched one of the tournament favourites for much of the contest but were ultimately undone by fine margins. “We finished with sadness. It’s not the result we wanted. The opponent is one of the favorites, but that didn’t stop what we wanted to do. We were courageous defensively, aggressive, we defended very well. But what happens in the Round of 16 of a World Cup are important details.” Martinez now leaves Portugal after overseeing a successful period that included a UEFA Nations League triumph, but with the World Cup title that both he and the Portuguese Football Federation had targeted remaining out of reach.
