The Spanish coach Roberto Martinez He confirmed this July 6 the end of his time at the head of the Portugal team, after the 1-0 defeat against Spain in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The match, played at Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium in Arlington), was decided with a goal from Mikel Merino at minute 90+1, a result that put an end to Portuguese participation and marked the closure of the process led by Martínez.
In the post-match press conference, coach explained that his link with the Portuguese Football Federation concluded with participation in the World Cup.
“It is the end of a cycle and it is legitimate that President Pedro Proença can choose another. I thank you because you gave me all the conditions,” he declared.
Martínez, who coached Portugal for three and a half years, assured that he took office with a clear goal.
“I came to win the World Cup. There’s no point in continuing,” he stated.
“It was our best game”
Despite the elimination, the coach considered that Portugal had its best performance of the tournament against Spain. “The players gave everything with their hearts. I think it was our best game of the World Cup. The ball hits the crossbar and doesn’t go in; that was the difference in a very close game. The players deserved extra time,” he analyzed.
Martínez highlighted the defensive work of his team and the pressure exerted on one of the favorite teams for the title, although he acknowledged that the side’s injury Nuno Mendes It reduced the offensive alternatives in the final stretch of the match.
“We did not fail, we lost to a team that is a favorite. Failing is not trying to win and we tried until the last minute,” he added.
Closes a cycle with Cristiano Ronaldo
The elimination could also mark the last World Cup participation of Cristiano Ronaldowho played the 90 minutes against Spain and was one of the team’s leaders during Martínez’s process.
The coach defended the presence of the 41-year-old striker in the starting eleven throughout the tournament and, after the elimination, he once again supported the leadership of the Portuguese captain, whom he described as “an exemplary captain”.
With the defeat against Spain, Portugal was eliminated in the round of 16 and the Portuguese Football Federation must begin the search for the coach who will lead the next international cycle.