Roberto Martinez steps down as Portugal boss after World Cup exit to Spain
Roberto Martinez has announced he is stepping down as Portugal head coach after their World Cup campaign ended with a painful 1-0 defeat to Spain in the round of 16. Describing the defeat as the “end of a cycle”, the Spaniard said his contract had expired and that it was now time for the Portuguese Football Federation to appoint a new manager.
The announcement came moments later Portugal knocked out neighbors Spain after late winner Mikel Merino in a thrilling knockout clash. After what also appears to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last World Cup match, Martinez admitted that the lack of a trophy left little reason for him to continue.
PORTUGAL vs. SPAIN, FIFA WORLD CUP: HIGHLIGHTS
“I came to Portugal to win the World Cup and I think there is no point in continuing without winning it,” Martinez said.
“The board and the president now have the opportunity to choose a new manager … my contract expires today. Nothing more to say about that.”
Martinez confirmed that there was no final decision ahead of the tournament, but revealed that defeat to Spain spelled the end of his time in Portugal.
“Yes, it’s my last match for the national team,” he said.
“I am very proud. I felt welcomed as another Portuguese in a very warm way. It was a pleasure, a source of pride and responsibility.”
The 51-year-old also paid an emotional tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo, who is widely expected to have played his final international game after Portugal’s exit.
“A word of thanks because he was an exemplary captain,” Martinez said.
“Not only in terms of goals – the statistics speak for themselves – but also assists.
“It’s his daily commitment, the way he lives and breathes football. He’s an example and something we have to celebrate.”
WAS MARTINEZ EVER A RIGHT FIT?
Martinez arrived in Portugal with one clear goal: to secure a first world title.
On paper, few international teams looked stronger. Portugal had world-class talent across all departments, from Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Vitinha in midfield to Rafael Leao and Cristiano Ronaldo in attack.
Yet during his tenure, one criticism didn’t really go away.
Portugal often looked like a team blessed with outstanding individuals but still searching for a collective identity.
Martinez remained loyal to Ronaldo well into the forward’s 40s, often building his attack around the captain despite growing demands for a younger, more dynamic front line. While Ronaldo continued to produce decisive moments, including his first ever World Cup knockout goal against Croatia, Portugal regularly struggled to control games against elite opposition.
This pattern reappeared against Spain.
Portugal defended bravely for long periods but struggled to gain possession and ultimately succumbed to Mikel Merino’s late strike after another evening of decisive differences.
Whether Martinez was ultimately the wrong appointment or simply another coach who failed to unlock a remarkable generation of Portuguese talent will remain a matter of debate long after his departure.
HOW THE WORLD CUP ENDED IN PORTUGAL
Portugal arrived at the knockout stage full of belief after a dramatic win over Croatia, where Ronaldo finally scored his first ever World Cup knockout goal before Goncalo Ramos headed home the winner in stoppage time.
The result set up a sensational meeting with Spain, who are widely regarded as one of the tournament favourites.
Martinez’s side produced one of the most disciplined defensive displays of the competition and came within inches of extra time.
In the end, though, it was Mikel Merino’s clinical finish that separated the two Iberian rivals and sent Luis de la Fuente’s side through to the quarter-finals.
Martinez insisted that Portugal matched Spain for long periods and believed that the small moments decided the game.
“We showed courage in defence, we were aggressive and we defended very well,” he said.
“But in the round of 16 of the World Cup, it’s the little details that matter.
“The ball hit the post and went in or not, a chance in the 90th minute from a quick free kick. The details that make the difference.”
His last act as Portuguese manager ended in defeat.
Whether his legacy is remembered for Portugal’s post-Fernando Santos rebuild or for falling short of one of the country’s most talented generations, the conversation will now begin in earnest.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
07 Jul 2026 04:26 IST