TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez has announced his resignation after Portugal's exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 on Tuesday, July 7.
"Yes, this is my last game with the national team," Martínez said after the match, according to the Portuguese Football Federation.
The Spanish coach thanked the Portuguese people for their support during his three-and-a-half-year tenure, describing the experience as one of the most meaningful chapters of his career.
"These three and a half years have been an incredible period. Being the coach of Portugal is a pride that cannot be expressed in words. The support and energy from the supporters and the entire Portuguese population have been truly extraordinary. I am very grateful for that. I will carry this memory throughout my life," he said.
Martínez said it is now up to Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença to appoint his successor. He also thanked the federation for its support throughout his tenure managing a squad led by Cristiano Ronaldo.
"I want to thank the president and the board for their support and for providing me and my coaching staff with all the necessary conditions. I appreciate their strength and support, but it is the end of a cycle," he said.
Reflecting on Portugal's defeat, Martínez said his side was disappointed not to have converted the chances it created.
"First and foremost, we leave this tournament with sadness. This is not the result we wanted," he said.
Martínez described Spain as one of the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup but believed Portugal executed its game plan well.
"We defended bravely, played aggressively, and were organized at the back. But a World Cup Round of 16 match is decided by the smallest details," he said.
He pointed to several missed opportunities that could have changed the outcome, including a late chance from a quickly taken free kick.
"Whether the ball hits the post and goes in or not, or the chance we had in the 90th minute from a quick free kick—those are the details that make the difference," Martínez said.
Portugal's World Cup campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion after conceding in stoppage time. Substitute Mikel Merino scored the winner in the 90+1st minute, finishing Ferran Torres' through ball with a low shot beyond goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
The victory sent Spain into the quarter-finals, where it will face Belgium, while Portugal's World Cup journey came to an end in the Round of 16.
Read: Cristiano Ronaldo Bids Farewell to World Cup Career After Portugal Exit
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