Martinez resigns as Portugal manager after Spain end Ronaldo's World Cup in round of 16

Roberto Martinez resigned as Portugal head coach on Monday night after Spain eliminated the nation from the 2026 World Cup with a round-of-16 victory in Texas, a late Mikel Merino goal sealing a result that is likely to mark the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career.

Martinez, who took charge of Portugal in January 2023 following his spell as Belgium head coach, confirmed his departure to reporters immediately after the final whistle. The Spaniard had led Portugal through three and a half years in the role but said the defeat made it impossible to justify staying on.

“It’s the end of the cycle,” Martinez said. “It’s important to have a new voice, a new leader. I take with myself the memories, and hope that Portugal has good memories in the three and a half years I was head coach of the team. It was the experience of my life.”

Martinez was clear that the decision had not been pre-arranged before 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,” he added.

The defeat leaves Portugal searching for a new manager and raises profound questions about the direction of the national team. Ronaldo, 40, was visibly heartbroken at the final whistle in what most observers expect to be his last appearance at a World Cup, having featured at the tournament since 2006.

Spain, who advance to the quarter-finals, were the superior side on the night, with Merino’s late strike the decisive moment in a tie that Portugal were unable to turn in their favour despite the occasion’s magnitude.