Roberto Martínez Announces Departure as Portugal Head Coach
Roberto Martínez has officially stepped down as head coach of Portugal following the team's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Spanish manager said his cycle had come to an end after falling short of his goal of winning the tournament.
Roberto Martínez's tenure as head coach of Portugal has officially come to an end. Following the team's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Spanish manager confirmed that he will not remain in charge, explaining that his contract has expired and that he believes it is the right moment for a new era to begin.
Speaking after the match, Martínez admitted that he accepted the role with one clear objective: winning the FIFA World Cup. Since that goal was not achieved, he believes the Portuguese Football Federation should now have the opportunity to appoint a new manager and begin the next chapter.
"It Is the End of a Cycle"
The former Portugal boss thanked the Portuguese Football Federation for the confidence and support he received during his three-and-a-half years in charge. He also expressed his gratitude to federation president Pedro Proença, saying the organization provided every resource necessary to compete at the highest level.
Martínez added that he always felt welcomed by the Portuguese people and said leading the national team had been both an honor and a privilege. Despite the disappointment of the World Cup exit, he emphasized that he leaves with pride for everything the group accomplished together.
Reflecting on the defeat against Spain, the coach insisted his players competed well against one of the favorites to win the tournament. He pointed to fine margins that decided the outcome, including a shot that hit the crossbar before Mikel Merino scored the dramatic stoppage-time winner.
A Final Tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo
Before ending his final press conference as Portugal's head coach, Martínez praised Cristiano Ronaldo, describing him as an exemplary captain whose leadership and professionalism set the standard throughout his time with the national team.
He also acknowledged that the injury to Nuno Mendes significantly affected Portugal's attacking play, as the left back had been one of the team's primary offensive outlets throughout the competition.
Although disappointed by the elimination, Martínez rejected the idea that Portugal had failed because of a lack of commitment. He stressed that the team fought until the final whistle against one of the strongest sides in the tournament. Nevertheless, he admitted that because his mission had always been to lift the World Cup trophy, stepping away was the most appropriate decision as Portugal begins a new cycle.
