Portugal announces end of Martínez era

Portugal's national team confirmed on Wednesday the termination of its contract with Spanish coach Roberto Martínez, immediately after the Round of 16 exit at the 2026 World Cup. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) released the statement as the manager arrived in Lisbon, closing a three‑and‑a‑half‑year spell.

What triggered the decision?

The 2‑1 loss to Germany left the side with no chance of progressing. The FPF thanked Martínez for his professionalism and for winning the Nations League in 2025, but noted that the tournament performance fell short of expectations. The departure was described as “official,” with no successor named yet.

How does Portugal look now?

The federation has already begun scouting candidates for the vacant role. Frequently mentioned names include former boss Fernando Santos, who led the team from 2010‑2014, and Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri. Meanwhile, the squad retains a recent form of 3 wins and 2 draws in its last five matches, currently riding a two‑game winning streak.

What’s the next challenge?

Portugal returns home to face Wales on 24 September 2026, a fixture that will serve as a litmus test for the incoming coach. The most recent result before the break was Portugal 2‑1 Croatia on 2 July 2026, underscoring the need for tactical tweaks ahead of the next game.

What can fans expect?

Supporters await the FPF’s roadmap for the transition. In the meantime, optimism endures thanks to stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, still leading the attack, and young Bruno Fernandes, who has been decisive in recent outings. The future of Portugal remains a work in progress, but the drive to reclaim the summit is unmistakable.