Roberto Martinez Resigns as Portugal Coach After World Cup Exit

Roberto Martinez has stepped down as the head coach of the Portugal national football team following their elimination from the 2026 World Cup. The decision came after Portugal's round-of-16 defeat to Spain.

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I came to Portugal to win the World Cup. After not being able to win it, I don't think there's any point in continuing. This was my last match with the Portugal national team.

Martinez, who took charge in 2023, announced his departure, stating his primary objective was to win the World Cup. "I came to Portugal to win the World Cup. After not being able to win it, I don't think there's any point in continuing," he said. "This was my last match with the Portugal national team."

The 52-year-old coach expressed gratitude to the Portuguese people, calling his tenure "an incredible period" that he was "immeasurably proud of." He added, "I take with me the strength and energy of the fans and the entire nation."

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I take with me the strength and energy of the fans and the entire nation.

Reflecting on the loss to Spain, Martinez acknowledged the disappointment. "We are finishing sadly. That was not the result we wanted. Our opponent was one of the favorites, but that did not prevent us from doing what we wanted to do. We were brave in defense, aggressive, and defended well."

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We are finishing sadly. That was not the result we wanted. Our opponent was one of the favorites, but that did not prevent us from doing what we wanted to do. We were brave in defense, aggressive, and defended well.

During his time with Portugal, Martinez also led the team to victory in the 2025 UEFA Nations League. He indicated that the president and management now have the opportunity to select a new coach, noting that the president had always supported his work but his contract was now expiring.

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The president and management now have the opportunity to select a new coach. The president always supported my work, but my contract is expiring.