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Roberto Martinez steps down as Portugal head coach after World Cup exit

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Roberto Martinez steps down as Portugal head coach after World Cup exit

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.
 
Substitute Mikel Merino scored in the 91st minute at AT&T Stadium to see Spain progress to the quarterfinals as Cristiano Ronaldo made his last World Cup appearance.
 
Following the game, Martinez told the press that he would step down 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.
“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, and 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.
 
The defeat to Spain dealt Portugal fans a double blow, with Cristiano Ronaldo confirming that the tournament would be the final World Cup of his illustrious career.

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