Portugal played down Roberto Martinez’s pre-World Cup performance
Portugal have quashed speculation over the future of Roberto Martinez, insisting the national team coach is fully focused on the World Cup. Reports in recent days have suggested the Spaniard is ready to leave his role once the Portuguese campaign is over.
With questions still swirling ahead of Portugal’s opener, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) have decided to clarify their position. In an official statement, the federation stressed that both Martinez and the governing body are focused only on the World Cup.
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“The FPF and Roberto Martinez are solely focused on the World Cup. The federation and the coach are united on this matter, as they have publicly stated,” said an FPF spokesman.
The response comes after several reports claimed that Martinez has decided not to extend his contract, which expires at the end of July. While speculation about his future has intensified, the Portuguese federation has refrained from commenting on what may happen after the tournament.
MARTINEZ’S FUTURE IN DOUBT
Martinez was appointed Portugal head coach in January 2023 following the departure of Fernando Santos following the team’s shock quarter-final exit to Morocco at the 2022 World Cup. The former Everton and Wigan manager arrived after ending a six-year stint with Belgium, whose campaign in Qatar ended with a disappointing group stage exit.
The 52-year-old has overseen one major tournament with Portugal so far, with his side suffering a penalty shoot-out defeat to France in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. Despite maintaining an impressive record in charge, questions remain over his long-term future.
Reports from across Europe suggest that Martinez has already decided to step down after the World Cup. However, it is understood that both the coach and the federation have agreed to postpone negotiations on a new contract until after the tournament.
Martinez is expected to face questions over the matter when he speaks to the media ahead of Portugal’s opener. Speculation has also linked former Portugal international José Mourinho with the role, with reports claiming the recently appointed Real Madrid manager had a verbal agreement in place. before emerging as a candidate for Los Blancos.
FOCUS ON THE WORLD CUP IN PORTUGAL
Despite the uncertainty surrounding their coach, Portugal remain firmly focused on their World Cup ambitions. Led by captain Cristiano Ronaldo and backed by one of the most talented squads in the competition, Portugal will open their campaign against DR Congo.
The tournament could represent the next significant chapter in Ronaldo’s storied international career as he continues his pursuit of the one major trophy that has eluded him. Portugal will also be hoping to finally turn their wealth of talent into a first World Cup triumph.
For now, Martinez and the federation are trying to make sure that the action on the field remains in the spotlight. Any decision on the coach’s future is not expected to be made until after Portugal’s World Cup journey is over.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
17 Jun 2026 03:34 IST