Portugal confirm Roberto Martínez departure after World Cup exit | OneFootball

Roberto Martinez has stepped down as Portugal head coach following the team's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup Round of 16.

The Spaniard confirmed after the match that his contract had come to an end and that he would not continue in the role, saying the World Cup exit marked "the end of a cycle." Martinez added that his ambition had been to lead Portugal to World Cup glory and believed it was the right time for a new direction after falling short.

That has now been made official by the Portuguese FA who thanked the tactician for his services.

Martinez took charge of Portugal in January 2023 and guided the national team through a successful qualifying campaign while also winning the 2025 UEFA Nations League. However, a dramatic last-16 elimination to Spain brought Portugal's World Cup campaign to an early end.

Attention now turns to the Portuguese Football Federation as it begins the search for a new head coach, with reports linking veteran Portuguese manager Jorge Jesus to the vacancy.

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