Portugal boss Martinez steps down after FIFA WC exit
Arlington, July 7
Roberto Martinez has confirmed he is leaving his role as Portugal coach after the team's FIFA World Cup exit to Spain in the Round of 16 on Tuesday.
An injury-time strike from Mikel Merino secured a narrow 1-0 victory for Spain at Dallas Stadium. After Portugal were eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026, Martinez announced at the press conference that the game against Spain was his last as Portugal's national team coach.
"I came to Portugal to win the World Cup and I think that, without winning it, there's no point in continuing," Martinez told a press conference after the match. "The board and the president now have the opportunity to choose the new manager... my contract ends today. There isn't much more to say."
Martinez, who has been in charge of Portugal since 2023, said there had been no final decision prior to the tournament. The Spaniard guided Portugal to the quarter-finals at UEFA EURO 2024 and victory in the UEFA Nations League the following year.
"Yes, it's my last game for the national team," he added. "I'm very proud... I've felt welcomed as just another Portuguese person, in a very warm way. It's been a pleasure, a source of pride and a responsibility."
The final whistle of the match marked the end of Christiano Ronaldo's time on football's biggest stage. "This will be my last World Cup," he reiterated pre-match. The 41-year-old hit 11 goals in 27 games and set multiple milestones, including becoming the first man to score in six editions.
Martinez also paid tribute to captain Cristiano Ronaldo, describing him as "an exemplary captain" whose commitment had never wavered during their three-and-a-half years together.
"There aren't many Cristiano Ronaldos," Martinez said. "His dream was to win the World Cup, and he gave everything for that dream. He has been an example as a footballer, as a captain and as a human being."
Speaking about the the game, the departing coach lamented the missed opportunities: "We finished with sadness. It's not the result we wanted. The opponent is one of the favorites, but that didn't stop what we wanted to do. We were courageous defensively, aggressive, we defended very well. But what happens in the Round of 16 of a World Cup are important details."
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, I think Martinez is being too harsh on himself. Portugal played well, Spain's winner was just a moment of brilliance. The team showed heart, but football can be cruel. Ronaldo's legacy is secure regardless. 🇵🇹
A bit disappointed with this exit though. Portugal had promise - Nations League champions, experienced squad. But the Round of 16 in a World Cup is a step back. Martinez saying 'no point continuing' feels like the right call. Time for fresh ideas.
Goodbye to Ronaldo at the World Cup 🐐 and goodbye to Martinez. It's the end of an era. But I hope Portugal finds someone who can build a team for the future - they have young talent like Vitinha and Leão. Ronaldo's shoes are big to fill though.
Respect to Martinez for stepping down when he felt the mission wasn't complete. Not many coaches have that integrity. And Ronaldo at 41 still scoring in six World Cups - incredible. The Indian football fan in me wishes we had half their professionalism.
I'm not convinced he should have left. Yes, the World Cup is the ultimate goal, but Portugal was building something. The Nations League win showed potential. Maybe the board could have convinced him to stay another cycle. But I guess he made his choice. 🤷♀️
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