Portugal's World Cup campaign ends in the Round of 16; manager Roberto Martinez announces his resignation.

In the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, Portugal lost 0-1 to Spain, ending their run in the tournament. Following the match, Roberto Martinez officially confirmed his resignation as head coach of the Portuguese national team.

"This is my last match coaching the Portuguese national team," Martinez clearly told reporters present. "I want to thank the Portuguese people, because it has been an incredible time. Feeling the strength and passion that all the fans and the Portuguese people have given us has given me an indescribable sense of pride. It has been amazing, thank you all. I will cherish this memory for the rest of my life."

The 52-year-old Martinez, who has managed Swansea City, Wigan Athletic, Everton, and the Belgian national team, is considered an outstanding representative of Spain's young coaching generation. Since taking over from Fernando Santos in January 2023, he has achieved a record of 32 wins, 6 draws, and 7 losses with the Spanish national team, and led them to the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League title.

Reflecting on his three and a half years coaching Portugal, Martinez said emotionally, "The players performed exceptionally well. They are incredibly talented and willing to give everything for the team. In 45 matches, we collectively set Portugal's best record for goals and points. I must attribute this to the players' dedication. We won the UEFA Nations League, and we set countless records."

"Thank you to all the players, thank you to the Football Association for providing us with all the necessary conditions, and thank you to the coaching team who fought alongside me and made tremendous efforts to help the players. I will leave with wonderful memories and gratitude to the Portuguese people."

“I took over as coach of Portugal to win the World Cup. If we don’t win, there’s no point in me staying on. President Proenza has the right to choose his preferred national team coach. He has always been very supportive of my work, but my contract expires today.”

According to multiple Portuguese media outlets, including A Bola, 71-year-old Jorge Jesus will succeed Martinez. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) plans to reach a four-year contract with him, until the end of the 2030 World Cup.

Jesus previously managed Braga, Benfica, Sporting CP, Flamengo, Fenerbahce, Al-Hilal, and Al-Nassr, among others, leading them to three Portuguese Primeira Liga titles, one Portuguese Cup, six Portuguese League Cup titles, two Portuguese Super Cup titles, one Brazilian Serie A title, one Brazilian Super Cup title, one Copa Libertadores title, one Copa Sudamericana title, one Turkish Cup title, one Saudi Arabian Premier League title, one Saudi King's Cup title, and three Saudi Arabian Super Cup titles. He has been unemployed since being dismissed from Al-Nassr in June of this year.

Image source: Internet