Roberto Martinez has resigned as Portugal coach after the team's last-16 defeat to Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Martinez confirmed his departure in a post-match press conference following Portugal's 1-0 loss. Mikel Merino scored the winner in the 91st minute at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo also ended his World Cup career in the defeat. He had announced on Sunday that the tournament would be his last.
Martinez said: “It’s the end of the cycle. It’s important to have a new voice, a new leader. I came with the goal to win the World Cup, and because I did not win, it does not make sense to continue.”
He had led Portugal since 2023 and guided them to the UEFA Nations League title last year. Portugal will begin their Nations League defense in September.
