The Portugal national team was knocked out in the World Cup round of 16 after a loss to Spain, and rumors are already linking coach Roberto Martínez with the Scotland job. Martínez' departure was confirmed right after the final whistle, and British radio talkSPORT lists him among the top candidates for the vacant Scottish post left by Steve Clarke.

Why did Martínez leave Portugal?

Martínez took over Portugal in 2023 and, despite steering the side to a promising start, the 1‑0 defeat to Spain sealed his exit. The team, seen as a title contender, left the tournament with a 3W‑2D‑0L record in its last five matches, including a two‑game winning streak before the elimination. The Spanish coach also has personal ties to Scotland: he played for Motherwell in 2002, where he met his Scottish wife.

How does the departure impact Portugal?

With Martínez' door closed, the future coach of the Portugal national team remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the squad stays confident, having beaten Croatia 2‑1 on 2026‑07‑02 and maintaining a recent form of 3W‑2D‑0L. The next fixture is a home match against Wales on September 24, 2026, where the new manager will get his first chance to prove himself.

What does Scotland gain with Martínez?

Scotland is looking to refresh its style after Clarke's exit. Martínez brings experience from leading Belgium (2016‑2022), where he developed talents like De Bruyne, Hazard and Lukaku. Though he never won a trophy, he is known for building competitive squads. His playing stint in the Scottish league could ease cultural adaptation and win over local players.

What’s next for Portugal?

The Portuguese federation has not yet named a replacement, but pressure mounts to find someone who can continue the winning trajectory. In the meantime, the team focuses on the upcoming friendly against Wales, a key test of the squad’s response to the coaching change. The performance against Wales could set the tone for the Euro‑2028 qualifying campaign.