Roberto Martínez Departs as Portugal Coach After World Cup Exit

Roberto Martínez has left his role as Portugal head coach after the team's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making him the 11th manager to depart the tournament. Martínez confirmed the decision in a post-match press conference, stating, "When I came to Portugal, I came to win the World Cup, and if I didn't win it, it didn't make sense to continue" Source: ABC.es. His contract expired after the match, and he stressed the need for "a new voice" Source: La Vanguardia.

Tenure and Legacy

Martínez took charge in January 2023, succeeding Fernando Santos. Over 45 matches, he led Portugal to the 2025 UEFA Nations League title, a win over Spain on penalties Source: InfoBae. He also set records in Euro 2024 qualifying, including 11 consecutive wins and a 9-0 victory over Luxembourg Source: InfoBae. However, his tenure faltered in major tournaments: Portugal exited Euro 2024 in the quarterfinals on penalties to France, and now the World Cup at the same stage to Spain. Martínez expressed pride in the team's performance against Spain, calling it "the best game of Portugal in this World Cup" Source: El Colombiano, but acknowledged that football's random elements decided the outcome.

Context and Reactions

The defeat was sealed by a 91st-minute goal from Mikel Merino Source: Diario Libre. Martínez praised his players' effort and specifically thanked Cristiano Ronaldo, who likely played his last World Cup, calling him "a model captain" Source: El Colombiano. The coach also reflected on the tragic death of Diogo Jota in 2025, which deeply affected the squad . Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença will now begin the search for a successor.