Roberto Martinez officially leaves Portugal after 2026 World Cup elimination

Roberto Martinez is no longer Portugal’s head coach. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) officially confirmed the termination of his contract on Wednesday, following the Seleção’s elimination in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup against Spain (0-1).

In its statement, the FPF confirms that “the contract with national team head coach Roberto Martinez and his technical staff officially ended on Wednesday”. The federation also wished to thank the Spanish coach and his staff “for their professionalism and dedication over the past three and a half years”.

Arriving in early 2023, Martinez managed 45 matches at the helm of Portugal, with a record of 30 wins, 9 defeats and 6 draws. His tenure will be marked by the conquest of the Nations League in 2025, but also by two premature exits from major tournaments: a Euro 2024 quarter-final loss to France, and this fatal Round of 16 against Spain at the 2026 World Cup.

The question of Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with the national team remains open. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has not yet decided on the continuation of his international career.

As for a successor, the Portuguese press cites Jorge Jesus as the main candidate. Free since his departure from Al Nassr, the 71-year-old coach could take the reins of the Seleção in the coming weeks. Portugal will return to competition on September 24 in the Nations League against Wales.