‘There’s no point in continuing’: Roberto Martinez quits as Portugal coach after World Cup exit

Roberto Martinez, right, gives instructions to Cristiano Ronaldo. (AP photo) Roberto Martinez has announced his departure as Portugal head coach following the team’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending his three and a half years in charge. Portugal’s campaign ended with a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 at the Dallas Stadium. Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in injury time to send Spain into the quarter-finals as Portugal’s hopes of lifting the World Cup ended. Speaking after the match, Martinez confirmed that the clash with Spain was his last game as Portugal manager and said he saw no reason to continue after falling short of the team’s ultimate goal. “I came to Portugal to win the World Cup and I think there is no point in continuing without winning it,” Martinez told reporters. “The board and the president now have the opportunity to choose a new manager … my contract expires today. Nothing more to say about that.” The former Belgium coach, who will take charge of Portugal in 2023, revealed that no decision had been made on his departure before the tournament. During his tenure, he led the national team to the quarter-finals of UEFA EURO 2024 before guiding them to the UEFA Nations League title in 2025. Martinez has confirmed his departure and has reflected warmly on his time with the national team. “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 defeat also marked the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career. The 41-year-old confirmed before the match that the 2026 tournament will be his last appearance on football’s biggest stage. He finished his World Cup career with 11 goals in 27 matches, becoming the first player to score in six different editions of the tournament. Martinez paid an emotional tribute to his captain, praising Ronaldo’s professionalism and dedication throughout their life together. “There’s not a lot of Cristiano Ronaldo,” Martinez said. “His dream was to win the World Cup and he gave everything for that dream. He was an example as a footballer, as a captain and as a human being.” Reflecting on Portugal’s defeat, Martinez felt his side matched one of the tournament favorites for much of the game but were ultimately undone by fine margins. “We finished with sadness. It’s not the result we wanted. The opponent is one of the favourites, but that didn’t stop what we wanted to do. We were brave defensively, aggressive, we defended very well. But what happens in the round of 16 of the World Cup are the important details.” Martinez now leaves Portugal after overseeing a successful season that included a UEFA Nations League triumph, but with a World Cup title both he and the Portuguese FA intended to remain out of reach.