Roberto Martínez has formally stepped down as Portugal’s nationwide group head coach following their elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Spaniard introduced his resignation after Portugal’s heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain within the Spherical of 16 in Arlington, admitting that the nationwide group now wanted a “new voice” to guide the following chapter. His departure additionally coincides with the expiration of his contract following the event.
Softfootball understands that Martínez took cost of Portugal in 2023 after a profitable spell with Belgium, the place he guided the Pink Devils to a third-place end on the 2018 FIFA World Cup and helped them attain the summit of the FIFA world rankings.
Throughout his time with Portugal, Martínez led the Seleção to the quarter-finals of UEFA Euro 2024 earlier than delivering the UEFA Nations League title in 2025. Nonetheless, his final ambition of successful the FIFA World Cup with Portugal and serving to Cristiano Ronaldo declare the one main trophy lacking from his worldwide profession resulted in disappointment.
Regardless of Portugal reclaiming the Nations League crown below his management, the group’s World Cup marketing campaign got here to an finish with the defeat to Spain, prompting Martínez to convey his tenure to an in depth.
The Portuguese Soccer Federation is now anticipated to start the seek for a brand new head coach as preparations begin for the following worldwide cycle. Martínez departs after three and a half years in cost, forsaking a combined legacy of silverware, stability, and unfulfilled World Cup ambitions.
