Portugal Eliminated from the 2026 World Cup, Roberto Martinez Resigns

Portugal's 2026 World Cup campaign ended sooner than expected. The 0-1 defeat against Spain in the Round of 16 did not only conclude Selecao das Quinas' run in the tournament, but also closed Roberto Martinez's tenure as head coach.

Martinez announced his resignation immediately after Portugal lost to Spain at Dallas Stadium, United States, early Tuesday morning WIB. Mikel Merino's late goal in the 90+1st minute decided the match and confirmed Portugal failed to progress to the quarter-finals.

The Spanish coach stated that his time with Portugal had come to an end, and the national team needed a new direction to face future challenges.

"This is the end of a cycle. It is important for the team to have a new voice and new leadership," Martinez stated after the match, as quoted by TNT Sports.

Martinez also expressed his pride over his three and a half years working with the Portugal squad.

"I will carry all these memories with me. I hope Portugal also has good memories from my three and a half years as coach. This was the best experience of my life," he said.

The 52-year-old coach confirmed this decision was not pre-planned before the tournament started. Martinez stated he arrived at the 2026 World Cup with the clear target of leading Portugal to become world champions.

Having failed to reach that target, he stated he had no justification to remain in his post as national team head coach.

"This decision was not predetermined. I came here with the goal of winning the World Cup. Since I did not succeed, there is no logical reason for me to continue coaching Portugal," he explained.

The loss against Spain was a bitter conclusion for Portugal. After maintaining disciplined play for the full duration of regular time, they conceded in injury time as Mikel Merino finished off a delivery from Ferran Torres.

This result sent La Roja through to the quarter-finals and officially ended Portugal's 2026 World Cup journey.

Martinez first took charge of Portugal in January 2023 after leaving his post with the Belgium national team. Over his three and a half year tenure, he delivered a number of notable achievements for Selecao das Quinas.

Under his leadership, Portugal reached the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, then lifted the 2025 UEFA Nations League trophy after defeating Spain via penalty shootout. At the 2026 World Cup, Portugal qualified for the Round of 16 after finishing as Group G runners-up.

During the group stage, Portugal secured draws against the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Colombia, alongside a dominant 5-0 win over Uzbekistan. They eliminated Croatia in the Round of 32 knockout stage.

Their run was finally halted when they faced their fellow Iberian Peninsula rivals, Spain.

This defeat also marked the end of Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career. The 41-year-old forward had previously confirmed this North American tournament would be his final ever appearance at football's biggest global competition for the Portugal national side.