Roberto Martínez ends spell as Portugal head coach | OneFootball

Roberto Martínez has ended his spell as Portugal head coach. The 0-1 last 16 defeat by Spain at the World Cup was his final match, though the decision to leave had long been made and his contract will not be renewed.

SPORT reports that Martínez had already told the set-up this would be his final tournament, regardless of how far Portugal went in the United States, Mexico and Canada, and that even a title would not have changed his plan.

Mikel Merino struck in added time to send Luis de la Fuente’s side through. The loss simply brought forward the farewell, closing a reign that began in January 2023.

Martínez considers his cycle complete and believes the national side should open a new phase. There was no appetite to extend a deal that was always framed by the World Cup, and he departs feeling he has followed the plan he set from the start.

He leaves a refreshed squad that won the Nations League in 2025 and consolidated a new generation led by Vitinha, João Neves, Nuno Mendes and Gonçalo Ramos, while Cristiano Ronaldo retained his leadership.

The Portuguese federation will now begin the search for a new head coach with Euro 2028 in mind.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo