BREAKING: Martínez expected to step down as Portugal manager after World Cup | OneFootball

Ollie Whitmore, Chief football news reporter

Roberto Martínez is expected to step down as Portugal manager after the conclusion of the World Cup, according to talkSPORT.

The 52-year-old Spaniard is said to have made the decision not to renew his contract and leave the national team upon its expiration at the end of July, regardless of how Portugal perform at the tournament in the US, Canada, and Mexico.

The former Everton and Belgium national team manager will keep his options open heading into the 2026/27 season, with a return to English football or a move to manage another country both reportedly on the cards, according to journalist Alex Crook.

Martínez first took on the role of Portugal manager in January 2023 and lifted the Nations League trophy in 2025 after defeating European champions Spain 5-3 on penalties.

He has also managed Swansea City, Wigan Athletic, and the Toffees before moving into international management with the Red Devils a decade ago until he left in 2022 following a disappointing group stage exit in Qatar.

Now, the Spaniard is setting his sights elsewhere and joins Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo in participating in – what is very likely going to be – his final World Cup for the Portuguese national team, who are yet to ever triumph on the world stage.

Former Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim may well have been a frontrunner to succeed Martínez in the role of Portugal manager after the competition concludes, but will not be in contention after joining Serie A giants AC Milan on Tuesday afternoon.

Portugal kick start their bid for a first ever World Cup against DR Congo on Wednesday 17th of June at 18:00 (BST) in Houston, before taking on fellow Group K opponents Colombia and debutants Uzbekistan.

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