Roberto Martinez to leave Portugal job following 2026 FIFA World Cup exit to Spain - 'Does not make sense to continue'

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Roberto Martinez has confirmed that he will leave his role as Portugal head coach following defeat to Spain in the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Their latest attempt at claiming world glory for the first time ended on Monday thanks to Mikel Merino's 91st-minute winner.

'Yes, certainly my last match' - Martinez reaffirms he will not stay on as Portugal head coach

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Following the game, Martinez explained to the press that he will step down from the role as Portugal boss with immediate effect.

"It's the end of the cycle," he said. "It's important to have a new voice, a new leader.

"I take with myself the memories, and hope that Portugal has good memories in the three and a half years I was head coach of the team. It was the experience of my life.

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"It had not been decided previously [that I would leave after the tournament]. I came with the goal to win the World Cup, and because I did not win, it does not make sense to continue."

Martinez, the former manager of Belgium from 2016 to 2022, was appointed Portugal head coach in January 2023 and guided the nation to UEFA Euro 2024 - his first major tournament in charge.

After winning the group, Portugal eliminated Slovenia before facing France in the quarter-finals, which they lost on penalties.

Last year, Martinez led Portugal to UEFA Nations League success, defeating reigning European champions Spain 5–3 on penalties.

Fast-forward 12 months, Martinez was in North America as Portugal began their ninth World Cup campaign.

They drew with DR Congo and Colombia, while beating Uzbekistan 5-0 to finish second in the group and earn a Round of 32 tie against Croatia.

Martinez's side dramatically overcame the Croatians with a last-minute winner, before they were beaten by Spain for a third Round of 16 exit in 16 years.

In a double blow to Portugal fans, the defeat to Spain marked the end of an era as Ronaldo revealed that this would be his final World Cup.

Ronaldo has played in every World Cup since Germany in 2006 and became the first-ever player to score in six different men’s World Cup tournaments.

He also became the oldest player to score a World Cup knockout goal, his 11th goal at the tournament in 27 appearances.

Portugal are co-hosts for the next World Cup in 2030, alongside Spain and Morocco.

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