Martinez resigns as Portugal coach after World Cup exit

Roberto Martinez confirmed his departure as Portugal head coach on Monday following a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending both his tenure and Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career in a single painful afternoon in Arlington, Texas.

Mikel Merino came off the bench to score in stoppage time, sending Spain to the quarterfinals and crushing Portugal's hopes at AT&T Stadium. Speaking to reporters after the match, Martinez said the result marked the end of a cycle. "I came with the goal to win the World Cup, and because I did not win, it does not make sense to continue," he said.sports.ndtv+2

Martinez's Exit

Martinez, who took charge of Portugal in 2023, said the decision had not been predetermined but that his contract had expired and the moment called for fresh leadership. "It is important to have a new voice, a new leader," he told reporters, according to NDTV Sports. Reuters reported that he described the defeat as the end of a cycle for the team. The Athletic confirmed his departure shortly after the post-match press conference.reuters+3

Ronaldo's Final World Cup

The loss also brought down the curtain on Ronaldo's World Cup story, which spanned six tournaments — a record. The 41-year-old confirmed before the match that this would be his last World Cup and told ESPN afterward that he had a "clear conscience" despite the outcome. He has not closed the door on representing Portugal in other competitions but said his World Cup career is over.espn+2

Ronaldo became the first player to score at six different World Cups during the group stage, when his brace helped Portugal defeat Uzbekistan 5-0. But a stoppage-time goal by Merino ensured the veteran forward's quest for a World Cup title ended without fulfillment.aljazeera

What Comes Next

Portugal now joins Brazil, Germany, and the Netherlands among high-profile teams eliminated before the quarterfinals at this tournament. Martinez's successor has not yet been named. Ronaldo, who recently won the Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr, is expected to continue his club career but will make a formal announcement on his international future at a later date.nytimes+1