Roberto Martinez to Leave Portugal After 2026 World Cup

Roberto Martínez will leave his position as Portugal’s national team coach after the 2026 World Cup, regardless of the team’s performance. British journalists Ben Jacobs and Alex Crook reported via talkSPORT that the Spanish manager has decided not to renew his contract with the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF).

Why is Roberto Martínez leaving the Portugal national team?

According to reporting from talkSPORT, Martínez has decided against renewing a contract that expires following the tournament in the United States. The news surfaced on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, on the eve of Portugal’s opening match against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The manager’s future may involve a return to the English Premier League or a new role within Europe. He could also consider leading another national team, having spent the last 11 years managing the national squads of Belgium and Portugal.

Did You Know? Roberto Martínez has spent the last 11 years of his career exclusively commanding national teams, specifically leading Belgium and Portugal.

How does this impact the FPF’s goals for the 2026 World Cup?

FPF President Pedro Proença previously claimed the contract situation would be resolved in “five minutes.” Proença made these remarks before a match against Nigeria and the team’s subsequent departure for the United States.

BREAKING NEWS: Roberto Martinez to LEAVE Portugal after World Cup REGARDLESS of Outcome!

Proença stated that the primary objective for the competition is to reach at least the quarter-finals. He acknowledged that the knockout stage is volatile and that smaller teams playing for a draw can advance via penalty shootouts.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the discrepancy between Pedro Proença’s “five-minute” resolution claim and the reported exit suggests a breakdown in communication between the FPF presidency and the technical staff. The timing of this announcement, arriving just before the tournament debut, could raise questions about the manager’s commitment during the competition.

Despite the reports, Martínez believes the 27 players he called up for the tournament are “individually prepared” to advance as far as possible in North America.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Roberto Martínez officially leave his post?
He is expected to leave after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, as he will not renew his contract.

What is the minimum goal for Portugal in the 2026 World Cup?
According to FPF President Pedro Proença, the objective is to reach at least the quarter-finals.

Where could Roberto Martínez coach after leaving Portugal?
Reports indicate he is open to returning to the Premier League, taking a role elsewhere in Europe, or managing another national team.

Do you think a coaching change after the World Cup is the right move for the Portuguese national team?