World Cup 2026: Roberto Martinez out as Portugal coach

Roberto Martinez is no longer the head coach of Portugal after the team's premature elimination from the 2026 World Cup. The "Seleção das Quinas" exited the tournament in the "round of 16" after a 1-0 loss to Spain, with Mikel Merino scoring the decisive goal. This defeat marked the final match for Martinez, who had been at the helm for three and a half years.

“

The contract between the FPF and the national coach was completed this Wednesday. The Portuguese Football Federation informs that the contractual relationship with the national coach, Roberto Martinez, and his technical team officially ended this Wednesday.

The Portuguese Football Federation officially confirmed the termination of their contract with the 52-year-old coach. Martinez himself had taken responsibility for the team's disappointing performance in the World Cup following their elimination. During his tenure, he led Portugal to victory in the 2025 Nations League but failed to achieve a major success on the World Cup stage.

Speculation about his successor has already begun in Portugal. Local media are reporting that Jorge Jesus is the primary candidate to take over the national team. The experienced coach is a well-known figure in Portuguese football, and his potential return to the national team's bench has generated significant expectations for the future.

“

The Portuguese Football Federation thanks Roberto Martinez and his technical team for their professionalism over the last three and a half years, a period marked by the conquest of the Nations League in 2025, but also for the dedication, professionalism, and commitment with which they embraced the project, as well as for the way they always respected the country and Portuguese football.

The federation expressed gratitude for Martinez and his staff's professionalism over the past three and a half years. They acknowledged the Nations League title in 2025 and praised their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the project, as well as their respect for the country and Portuguese football. The federation's president is actively working to appoint a new national coach to maintain the ambition and winning culture expected of the national team in all competitions.

“

The president of the Portuguese Football Federation is already working on the hiring of the new national coach, with the aim of continuing the ambition and winning culture that must always guide the national team in all competitions in which it participates.