Portugal's national team confirmed on Tuesday the departure of Roberto Martínez, who will not continue after the 2026 World Cup elimination. The coach thanked Portuguese fans and highlighted the energy received, while the Portuguese Football Federation already has Jorge Jesus, former Flamengo boss, as the favorite to take over.

Why did Martínez leave the national side?

Martínez stated that his last match was against Spain, where the opponent scored in stoppage time to knock Portugal out. "It was my last game with Portugal," said the 52‑year‑old, who took charge in January 2023 after a six‑year spell with Belgium. His contract ran until mid‑2026 and he had already indicated it would not be renewed, making the exit more a natural conclusion than a dismissal.

Who is Jorge Jesus and why is he the favorite?

Jorge Jesus, who led Flamengo for the past two seasons, is seen as the main candidate by the FPF. The former Benfica manager brings experience in big tournaments and an attacking style that appealed to the board. The federation has not yet made an official announcement, but internal sources confirm president Pedro Proença has started advanced talks with the Portuguese coach.

How does the elimination affect Portugal's trajectory?

Portugal arrived in North America as one of the favorites but failed to convince: two draws (DR Congo and Colombia), two wins (Uzbekistan and Croatia) and the loss to Spain. The latest recorded result was Portugal 2-1 Croatia on July 2, 2026, underscoring the need for tactical tweaks. Their recent form over the last five games is 3 wins and 2 draws (WWDWD), with a two‑game winning streak that still shows promise.

What comes next for the national side?

With the coaching change, the priority will be to steady the squad before the next fixture: Portugal faces Wales at home on September 24, 2026. That match will be key to restoring confidence and shaping the tactical identity under the future manager. Meanwhile, the federation is working to ensure a smooth transition and keep players focused on upcoming challenges.

Martínez's exit marks the end of a cycle that included the World Cup group stage and a search for a more solid style. Now, hope rests on Jorge Jesus, who could bring the renewal needed for Portugal to return as a contender in international tournaments.