Portugal has officially confirmed the departure of manager Roberto Martínez following the 0-1 loss to Spain in their last match. The team, coming off two consecutive defeats, now seeks a new direction ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
What happened?
Roberto Martínez, who took charge of the national team in 2023, leaves his position after a period of inconsistent results. The loss to Spain on July 6, 2026, marked the end of a run that included two defeats, one draw, and two wins in the last five matches. The Portuguese Football Federation decided not to renew the manager's contract.
Why does this matter for Portugal?
Martínez's exit comes at a time when the team needs stability to prepare for the 2026 World Cup. With the next fixture against Wales on September 24, Portugal will need to adapt quickly to a new manager. The Federation has already begun the search for a replacement who can bring fresh momentum to the squad.
What comes next?
The Portuguese Football Federation has not yet announced a successor to Martínez, but names like Rui Vitória and Jorge Jesus are already being speculated. Meanwhile, the team continues to work toward regaining its winning form and securing a strong campaign in the World Cup.
