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Official: Roberto Martinez Leaves Portugal After 2026 World Cup Exit

Sportera · 2026-07-08 · 21
Official: Roberto Martinez Leaves Portugal After 2026 World Cup Exit

Roberto Martinez has officially ended his spell as Portugal head coach following the national team's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Portugal were knocked out in the Round of 16 after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Spain in a closely contested match decided by a late goal.

The result brought an end to Martinez's three-and-a-half-year spell in charge of the Portuguese national team.

Martinez Confirms His Portugal Departure

Martinez confirmed that the match against Spain was his final game as Portugal head coach.

The Spanish manager thanked the Portuguese supporters, players, federation officials and coaching staff for their support throughout his time with the national team.

He described the experience as a source of great pride and praised the commitment and teamwork shown by the players during his tenure.

World Cup Exit Decides Martinez's Future

Martinez arrived with the ambition of leading Portugal to the biggest prizes in international football, with winning the World Cup his ultimate objective.

Following the team's elimination, he confirmed that his time in charge had reached its conclusion.

His contract ended with Portugal's World Cup campaign, leaving the Portuguese Football Federation free to appoint a new head coach for the next stage.

Spain End Portugal's World Cup Dream

Portugal entered the Round of 16 clash with hopes of continuing their challenge for the trophy.

The match remained tight and goalless for most of the contest before Spain scored a late winner to secure their place in the quarter-finals.

Despite the disappointment, Martinez defended his players and said Portugal had competed strongly against one of the leading contenders for the title.

He stressed that major knockout matches are often decided by small details.

Martinez Leaves After 45 Matches

Martinez ended his Portugal career after overseeing 45 matches.

His tenure included several impressive results, records and a UEFA Nations League title.

The Spanish coach also worked with a talented generation of Portuguese players led by Cristiano Ronaldo.

The End of an Era for Portugal

Martinez described his departure as the end of an era and said the Portuguese Football Federation now has the opportunity to choose the team's next head coach.

He thanked federation officials for their support and praised his coaching staff for their professionalism throughout his time in charge.

Portugal will now begin the process of identifying a new manager to lead the national team into its next major international challenges.

Who Will Replace Roberto Martinez?

Attention now turns to the identity of Portugal's next head coach.

The Portuguese Football Federation is expected to consider several candidates before making an official appointment.

The next manager will inherit a squad filled with high-profile talent but will also face the challenge of rebuilding confidence following the team's early World Cup exit.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Future Also in Focus

Martinez's departure comes amid growing attention surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo's international future.

The Portugal captain's next decision is expected to be one of the biggest issues facing the national team after the World Cup.

For now, Ronaldo's international future remains his own decision, while Portugal prepare to begin a new era under a different head coach.

A World Cup Dream Comes to an End

Roberto Martinez took charge of Portugal with the ambition of competing for football's biggest prizes.

Although his tenure included major victories and a Nations League title, the journey ended following Portugal's Round of 16 elimination at the 2026 World Cup.

Martinez now closes the chapter on his time with Portugal, while the federation begins the search for the coach who will lead the national team into a new era.

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