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WM 2026August 6, 2026

Martinez confirms his resignation as Portugal coach

Roberto Martinez has announced his resignation as coach of the Portuguese national team after the World Cup defeat against Spain. He emphasizes that it is time for a new voice in the team.

Martinez confirms his resignation as Portugal coach

Martinez confirms his resignation as Portugal coach after

According to Soccernews.

Background

Roberto Martinez took over the Portuguese national team in January 2023 and led the team in 45 games, achieving 32 wins. His retirement after the World Cup exit against Spain opens up the possibility of a fresh start as Portugal prepares for the next international competitions.

Why this is important

The resignation of Roberto Martinez as coach of the Portuguese national team marks a turning point for the team after the disappointing World Cup defeat against Spain. Martinez, who succeeded Fernando Santos in January 2023, led Portugal to significant success, including winning the UEFA Nations League. However, the need for a 'new voice' in the team is evident, especially after Cristiano Ronaldo's withdrawal from the World Cup.

Key findings

  • Martinez confirms his resignation as Portugal coach.
  • Roberto Martinez has announced his resignation as coach of the Portuguese national team after the World Cup defeat against Spain.
  • Martinez confirms he will leave Portugal following World Cup exit.
Roberto Martinez has confirmed his resignation as coach of the Portuguese national team after the team was eliminated in the World Cup round of 16 by Spain. After the 1-0 defeat at Dallas Stadium, Martinez declared that there was "no point in continuing." The decisive goal came in the 91st minute from Spanish substitute Mikel Merino. Portugal struggled to create clear-cut chances throughout the game, with a deflected shot from Nuno Mendes hitting the crossbar being the next notable attack. This game also marked the last World Cup game for Cristiano Ronaldo, who announced before kick-off that he would not take part in another World Cup. Martinez took over as manager of the national team in January 2023, succeeding Fernando Santos, and led the team in 45 games, of which 32 were won (6 draws, 7 losses). Of particular note is winning the UEFA Nations League in 2025, when Portugal beat Spain on penalties in the final. Despite these successes, Martinez emphasized that a "new voice" was needed for the team and announced that he would resign from his position with immediate effect. "It's the end of a cycle. It's important to have a new voice, a new leader," he told reporters. Image He added: "I take the memories with me and hope that Portugal has good memories in the three years and six months that I was coach. It was the experience of a lifetime. It was not decided in advance that I would leave after the tournament. I came with the aim of winning the World Cup and because I didn't achieve that, there is no point in continuing." Martinez was asked whether his tenure would be viewed as a success or failure by fans. To which he replied passionately: "First, we didn't fail. We lost to one of the favorites. We played on equal terms, we were ourselves, we showed incredible individual talents. Win or lose... we won the Nations League, but penalties are details. I take the consistency, the number of goals, the points. This is very difficult at the national level. The tactical concepts, the number of players who played for the national team. Failing and not trying to win? We have until the last minute fought, gave everything. The players were exemplary, incredible. And that makes you a winner in football and in life. I take with me an incredible legacy and hope that the Portuguese fans remember that the coaching team and I gave everything over the years. Jorge Jesus, who led Ronaldo to the first Saudi Pro League championship with Al-Nassr, is reported to be the favorite to succeed Martinez.

What happens next

Following Martinez's resignation, Portugal are expected to look for a new coach to prepare the team for the challenges ahead. The national team is faced with the task of regrouping and integrating the next generation of players. Fans and analysts will be eagerly watching to see who will succeed Martinez and how the team will develop under new management.

Frequently asked questions

What did Roberto Martinez confirm?

Roberto Martinez has confirmed his resignation as coach of the Portuguese national team.

Why is Martinez resigning?

Martinez resigns because it makes no sense to continue after the World Cup loss against Spain.

Who scored the decisive goal in the World Cup game?

The decisive goal in the World Cup game came in the 91st minute from Spanish substitute Mikel Merino.

When did Martinez take over as manager of the national team?

Martinez took over as manager of the national team in January 2023.

What did Martinez say about the future of the team?

Martinez emphasized that a 'new voice' was needed for the team and announced that he would resign from his position with immediate effect.

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Häufig gestellte Fragen

What did Roberto Martinez confirm?
Roberto Martinez has confirmed his resignation as coach of the Portuguese national team.
Why is Martinez resigning?
Martinez is resigning because it makes no sense to continue after the World Cup exit against Spain.
Who scored the decisive goal in the World Cup game?
The decisive goal in the World Cup game came in the 91st minute from Spanish substitute Mikel Merino.
When did Martinez take over as manager of the national team?
Martinez took over as manager of the national team in January 2023.
What did Martinez say about the future of the team?
Martinez emphasized that a 'new voice' was needed for the team and announced that he would resign from his position with immediate effect.
What happened in this story?
Martinez confirms his resignation as Portugal coach after summarizes the main development covered in this report.
Who confirmed this news?
See the source attribution in the article for where this report was first published or corroborated.