Roberto Martinez has announced his departure as head coach of Portugal following the team’s elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026, ending his three-and-a-half-year tenure in charge. Portugal’s campaign ended after a 1-0 loss to Spain in the Round of 16 at the Dallas Stadium. Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in injury time to send Spain into the quarter-finals, as Portugal’s hopes of lifting the World Cup ended. Speaking after the match, Martinez confirmed that the match against Spain will be his last game as Portugal manager and said that he saw no reason to continue after failing the team’s last goal. “I came to Portugal to win the World Cup and I think, if there is no victory, there is no reason to continue,” Martinez told reporters. “The board and the president now have the opportunity to choose a new manager … my contract ends today. There is not much more to say.” The former Belgium coach, who takes charge of Portugal in 2023, revealed that his departure has not been decided before the tournament. During his tenure, he guided the national side to the quarter-finals of UEFA EURO 2024 before leading them to the UEFA Nations League title in 2025. Confirming his exit, Martinez reflected fondly on his time with the national team. “Yes, this is my last game for the national team,” he said. “I am very proud… I feel welcomed as a Portuguese person, in a very warm way. It is a joy, a source of pride and a responsibility.” The defeat also marked the end of Cristiano RonaldoThe World Cup career. The 41-year-old had already confirmed before the match that the 2026 tournament would be his last appearance on football’s biggest stage. He ended his World Cup career with 11 goals in 27 games and became the first player to score in six different editions of the tournament. Martinez paid an emotional tribute to his captain, who was full of praise Ronaldo:professionalism and dedication to their time together. “There aren’t many Cristiano Ronaldos,” Martinez said. “His dream is to win the World Cup, and he gave everything for that dream. He is an example as a footballer, as a captain and as a person.” Reflecting on the loss to Portugal, Martinez felt his side matched one of the tournament’s favorites for much of the contest but ultimately recovered by good margins. “We ended with sadness. It was not the result we wanted. The opponent was one of the favorites, but that did not stop what we wanted to do. We were brave in defense, aggressive, we defended well. But what will happen in the Round of 16 in a World Cup important details.” Martinez has now left Portugal after overseeing a successful season that included a UEFA Nations League victory, but with the World Cup title he and the Portuguese Football Federation targeted as out of reach.