The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) confirmed on July 8, 2026, the departure of national team coach Roberto Martinez following Portugal's loss to Spain in the last-16 of the World Cup. Martinez, who had been in charge since January 2023, had previously announced his intention to leave after the tournament.
During his tenure, Portugal finished second in their World Cup group, drawing with Colombia and the DR Congo, while securing a 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan. They advanced past Croatia in the last-32 before the disappointing exit against Spain.
Martinez's Record with Portugal
Martinez, 52, led Portugal to the UEFA Nations League title in 2025. However, his management faced criticism, particularly regarding his decision to consistently start Cristiano Ronaldo in key matches. BBC pundit Chris Sutton remarked that Martinez was “pandering” to the 41-year-old forward during the last two tournaments.
After the 1-0 defeat to Spain, Martinez stated, “I came to Portugal with the objective of winning the World Cup and because I haven’t won it, it wouldn’t make sense to continue. My contract ends today.” This marked the end of a tenure that failed to meet the high expectations set for the national team.
Future of Portugal's National Team
The FPF has announced that it is actively searching for a successor to continue promoting the ambition and winning culture within the national team. The goal will be to build on the successes achieved during Martinez's time while addressing the shortcomings evident in recent tournaments.
As the FPF embarks on this new chapter, the focus will be on finding a coach who can maximize the potential of the talented squad, which has been underperforming on the world stage despite its strong lineup.
Impact on World Football
Martinez's exit is a significant development in the landscape of international football, especially as teams prepare for upcoming tournaments. His departure opens up new opportunities not only for Portugal but also for other national teams looking to enhance their coaching staff.
- Roberto Martinez's tenure lasted from January 2023 to July 2026.
- Portugal's World Cup record included a win against Uzbekistan and a loss to Spain.
- The FPF is seeking a new coach to maintain a winning culture.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC Football. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
