League: EPL Sport: Soccer Country: Spain Category: Scores & Results

Portugal loses to Spain, Ronaldo and coach Martinez exit

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 7, 2026, 1:26 AM

Last updated Jul 7, 2026

Portugal loses to Spain, Ronaldo and coach Martinez exit

Summary

Portugal lost to Spain 1-0 in the World Cup round of 16 on July 6, marking the end of Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career. Following the defeat, coach Roberto Martinez stepped down, stating it was the end of a cycle. Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal for Spain, which will advance to the quarterfinals. Martinez called for the Portuguese football leadership to find his successor, having fulfilled his contract by resigning immediately after the match. He previously led Portugal to a Nations League title but faced criticism for not securing the World Cup trophy.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Portugal lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup round of 16.
•Cristiano Ronaldo concluded his World Cup career with this match.
•Roberto Martinez resigned shortly after the game's end.
•Mikel Merino scored for Spain to win the match.
•Portugal now seeks both a new head coach and a generational star.

Latest Updates

1:26 AMYahoo Sports — World Cup exit costs Portugal both Ronaldo and coach

What they're saying

"
One loss to Spain took two Portugal standards. Ronaldo's World Cup career ended and coach Roberto Martinez walked away minutes later.
— Yahoo Sports

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