The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has confirmed the departure of national team coach Roberto Martinez following Portugal's last-16 loss to Spain. Martinez had already announced he would be leaving the role he had held since January 2023. The 52-year-old led Portugal to the UEFA Nations League title in 2025, but his side departed Euro 2024 at the quarter-final stage and exited the World Cup in the last 16. Martinez's decision to consistently start Cristiano Ronaldo has come under considerable scrutiny, with BBC pundit Chris Sutton saying the Spaniard was "pandering" to the 41-year-old forward. Speaking after the 1-0 loss to Spain, Martinez said: "I came to Portugal with the objective of winning the World Cup and because I haven't won it wouldn't make sense to continue." The FPF stated it has already begun the search for a successor "with the aim of continuing to promote the ambition and winning culture" within the national team set-up.
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