Roberto Martinez steps down as Portugal boss after World Cup exit to Spain

FIFA World Cup 2026: Roberto Martinez stepped down as Portugal head coach after the 1-0 Round of 16 defeat to Spain. The exit ended his contract and may also mark Cristiano Ronaldo's final international appearance.

In Short

• Mikel Merino's late goal sent Portugal out in a tense last-16 tie
• Martinez said his contract ended immediately after Portugal failed to win
• He thanked Cristiano Ronaldo, calling him an exemplary captain and professional

Roberto Martinez has announced he is stepping down as Portugal head coach after their FIFA World Cup campaign ended with a painful 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16. Calling the loss "the end of a cycle", the Spaniard said his contract had expired and that it was now time for the Portuguese Football Federation to appoint a new manager.

The announcement came moments after Portugal were knocked out by neighbours Spain following Mikel Merino's late winner in a tense knockout clash. Speaking after what also appears set to be Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup match, Martinez admitted that falling short of the trophy left little reason for him to continue.

PORTUGAL vs SPAIN, FIFA WORLD CUP: HIGHLIGHTS

"I came to Portugal to win the World Cup and I think that, without winning it, there's no point in continuing," Martinez said.

"The board and the president now have the opportunity to choose the new manager... my contract ends today. There isn't much more to say."

Martinez confirmed there had been no final decision before the tournament but revealed the defeat to Spain marked the end of his time with Portugal.

"Yes, it's my last game for the national team," he said.

"I'm very proud. I've felt welcomed as just another Portuguese person, in a very warm way. It's been a pleasure, a source of pride and a responsibility."

The 51-year-old also paid an emotional tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo, who is widely expected to have played his final international match after Portugal's elimination.

"A word of thanks, because he was an exemplary captain," Martinez said.

"Not just in terms of goals – the statistics speak for themselves – but also in terms of assists.

"It's his day-to-day commitment, the way he lives and breathes football. He's an example and something we must celebrate."

WAS MARTINEZ EVER THE RIGHT FIT?

Martinez arrived in Portugal with one clear objective: deliver the country's first World Cup title.

On paper, few international squads appeared stronger. Portugal possessed world-class talent across every department, from Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Vitinha in midfield to Rafael Leao and Cristiano Ronaldo in attack.

Yet throughout his tenure, one criticism never truly disappeared.

Portugal often looked like a team blessed with outstanding individuals but still searching for a collective identity.

Martinez remained loyal to Ronaldo deep into the striker's 40s, often building his attack around the captain despite growing calls for a younger, more dynamic frontline. While Ronaldo continued producing decisive moments, including his first-ever World Cup knockout goal against Croatia, Portugal regularly struggled to control matches against elite opposition.

That pattern surfaced again against Spain.

Portugal defended bravely for long periods but struggled to impose themselves with the ball, eventually falling to Mikel Merino's late strike after another evening where the margins proved decisive.

Whether Martinez was ultimately the wrong appointment or simply another coach unable to unlock Portugal's remarkable generation of talent will remain a debate long after his departure.

HOW PORTUGAL'S WORLD CUP ENDED

Portugal arrived in the knockout stages full of belief after a dramatic victory over Croatia, where Ronaldo finally scored his first-ever World Cup knockout goal before Goncalo Ramos headed home a stoppage-time winner.

That result set up a blockbuster meeting with Spain, widely regarded as one of the tournament favourites.

Martinez's side produced one of their most disciplined defensive displays of the competition and came within inches of forcing extra time.

Ultimately, however, it was Mikel Merino's clinical finish that separated the two Iberian rivals and sent Luis de la Fuente's side into the quarter-finals.

Martinez insisted Portugal had matched Spain for long spells and believed tiny moments had decided the contest.

"We showed courage in defence, we were aggressive, and we defended very well," he said.

"But in the World Cup round of 16, it's the small details that matter.

"The ball hitting the bar and going in or not, a chance in the 90th minute from a quick free kick. Details that make all the difference."

His final act as Portugal manager ended in defeat.

Whether his legacy is remembered for rebuilding Portugal after Fernando Santos or for falling short with one of the country's most gifted generations is a conversation that will now begin in earnest.

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