Roberto Martinez has announced his departure as Portugal head coach following the team’s exclusion from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending his three-and-a-half-year tenure. Portugal’s campaign came to an end after losing 1-0 to Spain in the round of 16 at the Dallas Stadium. Mikel Merino scored a goal in injury time to send Spain into the quarter-finals, as Portugal’s hopes of lifting the World Cup ended. Speaking after the game, Martinez confirmed that the clash with Spain was his last game as Portugal manager and said he saw no reason to continue after failing to achieve the team’s biggest goal. “I came to Portugal to win the World Cup and I think that, without winning, there is no reason to continue,” Martinez told reporters. “The board and the president now have the opportunity to choose a new leader … my contract is up today. I have nothing more to say.” The former Belgium coach, who took charge of Portugal in 2023, revealed that his departure was not considered before the tournament. During his tenure, he led the country to the quarterfinals of UEFA EURO 2024 before guiding them to the UEFA Nations League title in 2025. Confirming his exit, Martinez fondly reflected on his time with the national team. “Yes, it’s my last game for the national team,” he said. “I am very proud… I have been welcomed as a Portuguese person, very warmly. It has been a pleasure, a pride and a responsibility.” The defeat also marked the end of the Cristiano RonaldoWorld Cup work. The 41-year-old had already confirmed before the game that the 2026 tournament would be his last on football’s biggest stage. He finished his World Cup career with 11 goals in 27 games and became the first player to score in six different competitions. Martinez paid tribute to his driver, thanking him Ronaldo‘s expertise and dedication throughout their time together. “There aren’t many Cristiano Ronaldos,” Martinez said. “His dream was to win the World Cup, and he gave everything to that dream. He has been an example as a footballer, as a captain and as a person.” Reflecting on Portugal’s defeat, Martinez felt his side had matched one of the tournament’s favorites but were eliminated by a comfortable margin. “We finished with sadness. It’s not the result we wanted. The opponent is one of the favorites, but this did not stop what we wanted to do. We were brave in defense, aggressive, we defended very well. But what happens in the Round of 16 World Cup is very important.” Martinez is now leaving Portugal after overseeing a successful season that included winning the UEFA Nations League, but it is the World Cup title that he and the Portugal Football Federation wanted to keep out of reach.