Martinez's Portugal lost 1-0 to Spain in their World Cup last-16 tie on Monday. Reuters / Hannah McKayJuly 6, 2026 Updated 6:05 pm EDTRoberto Martinez has confirmed he will leave his role as Portugal coach following their World Cup last-16 exit at the hands of Spain.Portugal lost 1-0 at AT&T Stadium on Monday, having beaten Croatia 2-1 in the round-of-16 and finished second in their group behind Colombia.
“It’s the end of the cycle. It’s important to have a new voice, a new leader,” Martinez said after the Spain game.“It had not been decided previously (that I would leave after the tournament). I came with the goal to win the World Cup, and because I did not win, it does not make sense to continue.“I take with myself the memories, and hope that Portugal has good memories in the three and a half years I was head coach of the team. It was the experience of my life.”More to followJul 6, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
