Roberto Martinez Resigns As Portugal Coach After World Cup Exit

Roberto Martinez confirmed that the World Cup defeat against Spain marked the end of his spell as Portugal head coach, saying it “does not make sense” to remain in charge after failing to win the tournament, while also drawing a close to Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup journey.

Spain eliminated Portugal with a 1-0 victory at Dallas Stadium, where substitute Mikel Merino struck in the 91st minute. The late goal ended Portugal’s World Cup campaign and immediately triggered Martinez’s decision to resign from the role taken in January 2023.

Martinez explained that the choice to move on followed the defeat rather than any earlier agreement with the federation. “It’s the end of the cycle. It’s important to have a new voice, a new leader,” Martinez told reporters, stressing that a different presence was now required in the Portugal dressing room.

The former Belgium coach underlined that the departure was linked directly to missing the main target in 2026. “It had not been decided previously [that I would leave after the tournament]. I came with the goal of winning the World Cup, and because I did not win, it does not make sense to continue.”

Across three and a half years in charge, Martinez led Portugal in 45 matches in all competitions. The team won 32 games, drew 6 and lost 7 during that spell, while also lifting the 2024-25 Nations League title after a penalty shoot-out victory over Spain in the final.

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Martinez described the period with Portugal as a defining stage in a long coaching career. “I take with myself the memories, and hope that Portugal has good memories in the three years and a half that I was head coach of the team. It was the experience of my life.”

Portugal rarely found rhythm against the European champions in Dallas, despite competing on level terms for long spells. Nuno Mendes came closest for Portugal when a deflected strike hit the crossbar, but Spain resisted pressure before Merino’s late winner settled the World Cup knockout tie.

The match also represented Ronaldo’s final appearance at a World Cup, after the Portugal captain stated before kick-off that there would be no further tournaments. That announcement framed the evening as a double farewell, with the long-serving forward and Martinez both stepping away from World Cup roles.

Asked whether the period would be seen by Portugal fans as a success or failure, Martinez responded forcefully. “First, we did not fail. We lost against one of the favourites. We played as equals, we were ourselves, we showed incredible individual talent,” Martinez added, defending both the approach and output.

Martinez highlighted the wider body of work with Portugal across qualifiers, tournaments and the Nations League. “Win or lose… we won the Nations League, but penalties are details. I take the level of consistency, the number of goals, the points. That is very difficult at the national team level. The tactical concepts, the number of players who represented the national team. Failing and not trying to win? We tried until the last minute, we gave it our all. The players have been exemplary, incredible. And that’s what makes you a winner in football and in life. I take with me an incredible legacy and I hope the Portuguese fans remember that the coaching staff and I gave everything over the years.”

Reports in Portugal and abroad indicate that Jorge Jesus is the leading candidate to replace Martinez as head coach. Jorge Jesus recently worked with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, guiding the club to the Saudi Pro League title last season, which could influence the federation’s direction for the next World Cup cycle.