Roberto Martínez has officially stepped down as Portugal’s national team head coach following their elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Spaniard announced his resignation after Portugal’s heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 in Arlington, admitting that the national team now needed a “new voice” to lead the next chapter. His departure also coincides with the expiration of his contract following the tournament.
Softfootball understands that Martínez took charge of Portugal in 2023 after a successful spell with Belgium, where he guided the Red Devils to a third-place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and helped them reach the summit of the FIFA world rankings.
During his time with Portugal, Martínez led the Seleção to the quarter-finals of UEFA Euro 2024 before delivering the UEFA Nations League title in 2025. However, his ultimate ambition of winning the FIFA World Cup with Portugal and helping Cristiano Ronaldo claim the only major trophy missing from his international career ended in disappointment.
Despite Portugal reclaiming the Nations League crown under his leadership, the team’s World Cup campaign came to an end with the defeat to Spain, prompting Martínez to bring his tenure to a close.
The Portuguese Football Federation is now expected to begin the search for a new head coach as preparations start for the next international cycle. Martínez departs after three and a half years in charge, leaving behind a mixed legacy of silverware, stability, and unfulfilled World Cup ambitions.
