The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has confirmed the departure of national team manager Roberto Martinez following the expiration of his contract as per the reports of Reuters. The federation released an official statement on Wednesday announcing the conclusion of its professional relationship with the 52-year-old Spanish tactician and his entire backroom coaching staff. The structural decision comes exactly two days after Martinez publicly signaled his intention to step down from the managerial role. His announcement followed Portugal’s 1-0 defeat against Iberian rivals Spain in the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday.
Roberto Martinez’s tenure and achievements with Portugal
Martinez was appointed as the head coach of the Portuguese national team in January 2023, succeeding long-term manager Fernando Santos. He took over the position after concluding a six-year stint with the Belgian national team, whom he led to a third-place finish at the FIFA World Cup 2018.Â
During his three-year tenure with Portugal, Martinez achieved huge continental success. He successfully guided the nation to the UEFA Nations League title in 2025. However, the team’s early knockout stage exit in the 2026 tournament ultimately marked the conclusion of his contract.
Who will replace Roberto Martinez as Portugal coach?
In an official press release issued on Wednesday, the Portuguese Football Federation outlined the formal end of the contract:
“The Portuguese Football Federation announces that it officially ended its contractual relationship with the National Team Coach, Roberto Martinez, and his coaching staff this Wednesday,” as quoted by Reuters.Â
The FPF further confirmed that senior management has already initiated an active search to appoint a new head coach. So far, no name has emerged to take over this position.Â
Portugal’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign under Martinez
Portugal entered the tournament with high expectations, placed in Group K alongside the DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia. The campaign opened at the Houston Stadium with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo.
Martinez’s men bounced back in their second fixture, routing Uzbekistan 5-0 at the same venue. They concluded the group stage with a scoreless 0-0 draw against Colombia at Miami Stadium, securing their progression into the knockout phase. Â
In the Round of 32, Portugal faced a resilient Croatia side in Toronto. Martinez successfully guided his team to a hard-fought 2-1 victory to set up a heavyweight Iberian derby against Spain in the Round of 16. Â
The campaign ultimately met a heartbreaking end at Dallas Stadium. In a tactical stalemate, Portugal’s defense was finally breached in the 91st minute when Mikel Merino scored a dramatic late winner for Spain, sealing a 1-0 defeat that brought an abrupt end to Portugal’s World Cup run and Martinez’s tenure.
