World Cup 2026: Martinez becomes eighth coach to leave after elimination [Full List]
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Eight national team coaches have departed their roles following their countries' elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Roberto Martinez became the latest casualty, confirming his exit as Portugal manager after their Round of 16 defeat.
- Other nations like Ghana, Germany, Ecuador, the Netherlands, Czechia, Scotland, and South Korea have also parted ways with their coaches.
The fallout from the 2026 FIFA World Cup is continuing, with a significant number of national team coaches losing their positions after their countries were eliminated from the tournament. Eight managers have already departed their roles, reflecting the high stakes and intense pressure associated with international football.
Portugal's manager, Roberto Martinez, became the latest high-profile casualty. He confirmed his departure immediately after his team's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16. Martinez, who took charge of Portugal in 2023, stated that his contract had ended, marking the conclusion of a cycle.
His exit follows that of Ghana's head coach, Carlos Queiroz, who stepped down after the Black Stars were eliminated in the Round of 32. The veteran Portuguese coach announced his resignation over the weekend, concluding his tenure after Ghana failed to advance beyond the first knockout stage.
Several other nations have also made managerial changes in the wake of their World Cup exits. Germany, Ecuador, the Netherlands, Czechia, Scotland, and South Korea are among the countries that have parted ways with their respective coaches. As the tournament progresses to the quarter-final stage, more coaching changes are anticipated as football federations review team performances and plan for the next international cycle.
My contract ends today. Itโs the end of a cycle.
Originally published by Vanguard. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.