Spanish coach Roberto Martinez has announced his departure from the Portugal national team following the side's elimination from the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after a 1-0 defeat to Spain, saying the time had come for new leadership to take charge.
Speaking in comments reported by The Athletic, Martinez said his journey with the Portuguese national team had reached its end, adding: "This chapter is over, and it is important that there is a new voice and a new leader." He explained that the decision to leave had not been settled before the tournament began, but came after he failed to achieve the goal for which he had been brought in — winning the World Cup.
The Spanish coach added: "I came to win the World Cup, and since I have not achieved that, I see no justification for continuing." He said he would carry the memories of his time with the team, expressing hope that he had left positive memories with supporters during the three and a half years he spent at the helm, describing the experience as the most significant of his career.
Portugal's tournament ended after their defeat to Spain in the round of 16, having previously beaten Croatia 2-1 in the round of 32 and finishing second in their group behind Colombia.
Martinez took charge of Portugal following the end of the 2022 World Cup, succeeding Fernando Santos, who had departed the tournament at the quarter-final stage after a defeat to Morocco. He also guided the team to the quarter-finals of UEFA Euro 2024 before elimination at the hands of France.
His most notable achievement with Portugal was winning the UEFA Nations League in 2025, after defeating Spain on penalties following a 2-2 draw at the end of the final.
Martinez's announcement coincided with the conclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career, after the Portugal captain, aged 41, confirmed at the pre-match press conference ahead of the Spain game that the 2026 edition would be his last in the tournament.
Responding to a question about the criticism he had faced, Ronaldo said: "I will try to enjoy every moment because this is my last World Cup, and I will enjoy every day."
Martinez paid tribute to the Portugal captain, affirming that he had been a role model throughout their time working together. He said Ronaldo had set an example on the pitch through his goals and decisive passes, and off it through his total commitment and professionalism, adding that football owed him a great deal for everything he had contributed throughout his career and that he would remain one of the game's most prominent figures.
The report concluded by noting that Portugal is preparing to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Morocco, in the country's first-ever hosting of the tournament.