FIFA World Cup 2026: Portugal confirm Roberto Martinez's departure after team's Round of 16 exit
Lisbon, July 8
The Portuguese Football Federation on Wednesday confirmed the end of the national team coach Roberto Martinez's tenure following his contract expiry.
In a statement, the FPF confirmed that the contractual agreement with Martinez and his coaching staff has officially come to an end.
Notably, this comes after Portugal's exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a 1-0 defeat to Spain.
"The Portuguese Football Federation informs that the contractual relationship with the National Coach, Roberto Martinez, and his technical team has officially ended this Wednesday," the FPF said.
The FPF thanked Martinez and his coaching staff for their dedication and professionalism during their three-and-a-half-year tenure, which included winning the UEFA Nations League. The federation also praised their commitment and respect towards Portugal and Portuguese football.
"The Portuguese Football Federation thanks Roberto Martinez and his coaching staff for their professionalism and dedication over the past 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 and for the way they always respected the Country and Portuguese Football," the FPF said.
"The president of the Portuguese Football Federation is already working on hiring the future National Coach, with the aim of continuing to promote the ambition and culture of victory that should always guide the National Team in all the competitions it participates in," the FPF added in their statement.
Following his side's exit from the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, Martinez himself confirmed his exit from the national men's side set-up, highlighting the importance of "having a new voice, a new leader".
Martinez, who took over in 2023 as Portugal's coach, said, as quoted by The Athletics, "It is the end of the cycle. It is important to have a new voice, a new leader. It had not been decided previously (that I would leave after the tournament). I came with the goal to win the World Cup, and because I did not win, it does not make sense to continue," Martinez said.
Martinez had said he will cherish his time as Portugal's head coach, describing the three-and-a-half-year stint as the experience of his life and hoping the country remembers his tenure positively.
"I take with myself the memories, and hope that Portugal has good memories of the three and a half years I was head coach of the team. It was the experience of my life," he had said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's interesting how football nations handle these transitions. In the US, we'd probably have a month-long hiring process! But Portugal seems efficient – already looking for the next coach. I hope they find someone who can take them deep into the next World Cup. 🇵🇹
Martinez's statement about needing a "new voice" shows his class. Many coaches would cling to power even after failure. As an Indian who follows European football closely, I admire his professionalism. The FPF statement is also nicely worded – respectful but clear. 👏
I feel for Martinez – he came with the goal of winning the World Cup and fell short. But let's be real: Spain are a tough side, and 1-0 could've gone either way. Portugal have talent but need a tactical revamp. Honestly, I'd bring in someone like Abel Ferreira from Palmeiras – he knows how to win. 😎
Yaar, this reminds me of how Indian football also faces such transitions. But Portugal has a stronger pool of players – CR7 might be old but they still have Bruno Fernandes, Leão, etc. Someone like Rúben Amorim could be the future. Let's hope the FPF makes the right choice! 🤞🇮🇳
I think Martinez was a bit unlucky – Portugal played well at times but couldn't break down Spain's defense. The Nations League win shows he had something going. But football is a results business, and the World Cup is what matters most. I hope he finds a good job back in England or elsewhere. 😢
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.