Roberto Martinez has stepped down as Portugal’s head coach following his side’s exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Last 16 clash at the Dallas Stadium on Tuesday.
A late winner from Spain midfielder Mikel Merino at the home of the Dallas Cowboys propelled his side into the quarterfinals.
Martinez, 52, took charge of the side in 2023 and has been criticized on numerous occasions due to sticking with 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite this, the Spaniard guided the team to the UEFA Nations League title in 2025.
Before taking charge of Portugal, he managed Swansea, Wigan, and Everton in British football. Roberto Martinez also served as Belgium’s head coach.
Following the announcement, Martinez reflected on his side’s performance in the World Cup.
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“We didn’t fail, we lost a game against a favorite team, we played face to face, and showed incredible talent,” he said.
“We won the Nations League on penalties, it’s all about details between the top teams. Failing is not trying to win, and we tried until the last minute, gave everything, the players were incredible, exemplary. That’s what makes you a winner. I hope Portugal’s fans can remember everything that the coaching staff and I did,” he added.
He concluded by thanking Portuguese fans for their backing throughout his tenure.”Thank you to the Portuguese people because it was an incredible period, a pride which I can’t describe.”
“All that strength, energy we had from all the fans, from all the Portuguese people, was incredible. Thank you for this and I take with me a memory for life,” he concluded.
During his tenure, Portugal managed to win 32 out of 45 games.
READ: Spain end Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup dream to reach quarter-finals
