Roberto Martinez steps down as Portugal coach after World Cup defeat to Spain
ESPN Soccer • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 6, 2026, 11:02 PM
Last updated Jul 6, 2026
Roberto Martinez has confirmed his resignation as head coach of Portugal following a round of 16 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup. The match, held in Dallas, ended with a late goal from Mikel Merino, which sealed Portugal's exit and underscored their struggles to penetrate a solid Spanish defense. Martinez indicated that it would not be sensible for him to continue after the team's failure to advance, noting the importance of a new leader as Portugal looks to evolve in the post-Cristiano Ronaldo era. Bruno Fernandes expressed disappointment over the team's performance, while Spain prepares for a quarter-final against either USA or Belgium.
- •Portugal loses to Spain in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.
- •Mikel Merino scores the only goal in added time.
- •Martinez resigns, stating it's time for a new direction.
- •Bruno Fernandes acknowledges the team's underperformance.
- •Spain will face the winner of USA vs. Belgium next.
- 8:39 AMESPN Soccer — Martinez steps down, says Portugal 'didn't fail'
- 4:23 AMYahoo Sports — 🚨 Official: Roberto Martínez is no longer Portugal manager
- 4:15 AMYahoo Sports — Roberto Martinez says ‘there’s no point continuing’ as he steps down as Portugal head coach
- 11:02 PMYahoo Sports — Roberto Martinez confirms decision to leave Portugal after tepid World Cup exit to Spain
"Roberto Martinez has stepped down as Portugal head coach following their 1-0 defeat to Spain at the World Cup. Portugal have one of the best squads in the world and were expected to reach the latter stages of the tournament.
"It’s over.After Portugal’s crushing failure, having been eliminated as early as the round of 16 of this World Cup, Roberto Martinez announced his resignation to reporters."I hope Portuguese suppor...
"Roberto Martinez confirmed that he is leaving his job as Portugal coach after Monday's 1-0 World Cup round-of-16 defeat to Spain, while denying that the result was "a failure."
Sources
External links- ESPN SoccerJul 7, 2026, 8:39 AMMartinez steps down, says Portugal 'didn't fail'
Roberto Martinez confirmed that he is leaving his job as Portugal coach after Monday's 1-0 World Cup round-of-16 defeat to Spain, while denying that the result was "a failure."
- Yahoo SportsJul 7, 2026, 4:23 AM🚨 Official: Roberto Martínez is no longer Portugal manager
It’s over.After Portugal’s crushing failure, having been eliminated as early as the round of 16 of this World Cup, Roberto Martinez announced his resignation to reporters."I hope Portuguese suppor...
- Yahoo SportsJul 7, 2026, 4:15 AMRoberto Martinez says ‘there’s no point continuing’ as he steps down as Portugal head coach
Roberto Martinez has stepped down as Portugal head coach following their 1-0 defeat to Spain at the World Cup. Portugal have one of the best squads in the world and were expected to reach the latter stages of the tournament.
- Yahoo SportsJul 6, 2026, 11:02 PMRoberto Martinez confirms decision to leave Portugal after tepid World Cup exit to Spain
The Portugal head coach has stepped down immediately after losing a dull round of 16 clash to Spain
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