Portuguese FA sidesteps Martinez exit claims as Portugal prepare for World Cup opener

The Portuguese Football Federation has refused to deny reports that Roberto Martinez will step down as Portugal head coach once the 2026 World Cup concludes, issuing a statement that pointedly stopped short of committing to his future.

In response to widespread claims that the 52-year-old has decided against renewing his contract — which expires at the end of July — the federation said: “The FPF and Roberto Martinez are focused exclusively on the World Cup. The federation and the coach are aligned on this matter, as they have publicly stated.” The non-denial has done little to quiet speculation.

Martinez was appointed in January 2023 as a surprise successor to Fernando Santos, who resigned after Portugal’s quarter-final defeat to Morocco at the 2022 World Cup. The Spaniard arrived having just left Belgium following six years in charge, a tenure that ended in a group-stage exit in Qatar. His sole major tournament with Portugal since then — Euro 2024 — ended in a penalty shootout defeat to France.

Reports suggest Martinez is keeping his options open, with a potential return to club management in England or Europe, or another international role, all said to be under consideration.

Portugal open their World Cup campaign against DR Congo on Wednesday, with Cristiano Ronaldo widely expected to be making what is almost certainly his final appearance at the tournament. Speaking ahead of the opener, Martinez sought to frame the mood around the squad as one of anticipation rather than pressure.

“I wouldn’t say there’s an anxiety in Portugal to win the World Cup,” he said. “I would say it’s excitement, hope. That comes with these players. We’re talking about Cristiano Ronaldo. The Manchester United captain [Bruno Fernandes]. The Porto captain [Diogo Costa]. The Man City captain [Bernardo Silva]. Four important players at the European champions [Paris Saint-Germain]. That makes the Portuguese people feel good.”

Portugal are considered among the favourites in North America, though the nation has never won the World Cup, with semi-final appearances in 1966 and 2006 representing their best runs. Should Martinez depart after the tournament, it would bring the curtain down on a three-year tenure defined as much by near-misses as by promise.

Portugal’s exit would not be the first managerial casualty of this World Cup cycle — Tunisia sacked Sabri Lamouchi earlier in the tournament.