Roberto Martinez has officially stepped down as head coach of the Portugal national team following the country’s heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing his tenure with the European side to an end.
The decision comes amid intense criticism from Portuguese fans and media after Portugal’s hopes of lifting the World Cup trophy were dashed by a late winner from Mikel Merino.
Portugal’s elimination sparked widespread scrutiny of Martinez’s tactical decisions, particularly his late substitution of Vitinha for Bernardo Silva. Critics argued the change disrupted Portugal’s midfield, with Bernardo later involved in the sequence that led to Spain’s decisive goal.
Speaking after the match, Martinez confirmed that his time with the national team had come to an end. “This was my final match as Portugal’s head coach. If we cannot win the World Cup, there is no point in continuing this journey.” His resignation closes a chapter that saw Portugal remain one of Europe’s strongest teams but ultimately fall short on the biggest stage.
Despite leaving under difficult circumstances, Martinez firmly defended Cristiano Ronaldo, who has faced criticism for playing the full 90 minutes at the age of 41.
The former Belgium manager insisted the veteran captain remained physically capable of competing at the highest level, praising Ronaldo’s intelligent movement, ability to create space, and unmatched professionalism. Martinez also described Ronaldo as a global football icon whose dedication and commitment deserve respect, expressing his gratitude for the striker’s years of service to the Portuguese national team.
With Martinez’s departure, the Portuguese Football Federation must now begin its search for a new head coach. According to Portuguese sports newspaper A Bola, experienced manager Jorge Jesus has emerged as a leading candidate for the role. Jesus previously worked alongside Ronaldo during his time at Al Nassr, making him a familiar figure for Portugal’s all-time leading scorer.
Portugal now faces the challenge of rebuilding under new leadership as it prepares for the next chapter following its disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign.
Sources: kenh14
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