Roberto Martínez steps down as Portugal coach after World Cup exit

Roberto Martínez has confirmed he is stepping down as Portugal head coach following the national team’s 1-0 World Cup defeat to Spain, saying he always viewed lifting the trophy as the benchmark for success.

Speaking after Portugal’s elimination in Arlington, Texas, the 52-year-old Spaniard announced that Monday’s match was his final game in charge.

“It is certain that this was my last match with Portugal,” Martínez said.

“I came to Portugal to win the World Cup and I think that, without winning it, it makes no sense to continue. The president and the federation now have the opportunity to choose the next national coach.”

Martínez insisted the decision had not been made before the tournament, adding that Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença had supported him throughout his tenure.

“My contract ended today,” he said.

Proud of his record

Despite falling short of his ultimate objective, Martínez said he leaves Portugal with pride after three and a half years in charge.

He highlighted Portugal’s 2025 UEFA Nations League triumph, as well as what he described as the best statistical record of any Portugal coach.

“It has been an incredible period and a pride I cannot describe,” he said.

“I want to thank the Portuguese people, the players, the federation and my coaching staff. I will take memories with me for the rest of my life.”

Martínez finished his spell in charge having overseen 45 matches, winning 30, while leading Portugal to another Nations League title and successfully guiding the team to the 2026 World Cup.

“We didn’t fail”

The former Belgium coach rejected suggestions that Portugal’s World Cup campaign had been a failure despite the last-16 exit.

“We didn’t fail,” he said.

“We lost to one of the favourites. We looked them in the eye, stayed true to ourselves and showed incredible individual talent. We fought until the last minute.”

He added that Portugal had been unfortunate, saying “luck wasn’t on our side.”

Praise for Ronaldo

Martínez also paid tribute to captain Cristiano Ronaldo, describing him as an exemplary leader throughout his time in charge.

“When I arrived there were many doubts surrounding Cristiano after the 2022 World Cup,” he said.

“For me, he has been an example – not only because of his goals but because of his daily commitment and the way he lives football.”

“There aren’t many Cristianos.”

The Spain match marked Ronaldo’s final World Cup appearance, with the 41-year-old confirming after the game that he will now take time to consider his international future.

Asked why striker Gonçalo Ramos was not introduced against Spain despite scoring the winner against Croatia in the previous round, Martínez said Ronaldo was physically capable of completing the full match and that Ramos had been intended as an option if the game had gone to extra time.