FLASH NEWS
On the eve of their World Cup debut, Portugal's coach resigns, drastic decision revealed
2026-06-16 23:40:08 / SPORT
According to recent reports from international media, Spanish coach Roberto Martinez has decided not to renew his current contract, which expires at the end of July this year.
Despite the result and performance that Portugal will witness in North American stadiums, the 52-year-old is expected to submit his official resignation, ending a three-year era in charge of the Lusitanians.
It is learned that Martinez is keeping his options open for his professional future, aiming for a possible return to the English Premier League, other European championships or even at the helm of another international team.
Cristiano Ronaldo's "last dance" and the challenges of the World Cup
Portugal's national team begins its World Cup campaign on Wednesday, in a direct clash against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The tournament carries immense emotional and sporting weight, as the football world's attention is focused on captain Cristiano Ronaldo. For the Portuguese star, this is almost certainly his last chance to win the only major trophy missing from his career: the World Cup.
Alongside Ronaldo, Portugal field a group of world-class players such as Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha, making them rightly considered among the main favourites for the final triumph. Ahead of the tournament, the former Everton and Swansea manager said calmly: "I wouldn't say there is anxiety in Portugal about winning the World Cup."
According to recent reports from international media, Spanish coach Roberto Martinez has decided not to renew his current contract, which expires at the end of July this year. Despite the result and performance that Portugal will demonstrate in North American stadiums, the 52-year-old is expected to submit his official resignation, ending a three-year era in charge of the Lusitanians.
It is learned that Martinez is keeping his options open for his professional future, aiming for a possible return to the English Premier League, other European championships or even at the helm of another international team.
???? Cristiano Ronaldo's "Last Dance" and the Challenges of the World Cup
Portugal's national team begins its World Cup campaign on Wednesday, in a direct clash against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The tournament carries immense emotional and sporting weight, as the football world's attention is focused on captain Cristiano Ronaldo. For the Portuguese star, this is almost certainly his last chance to win the only major trophy missing from his career: the World Cup.
Alongside Ronaldo, Portugal field a group of world-class players such as Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha, making them rightly considered among the main favourites for the final triumph. Ahead of the tournament, the former Everton and Swansea manager said calmly: "I wouldn't say there is anxiety in Portugal about winning the World Cup."
Roberto Martinez's records and statistics for Portugal
Despite occasional criticism, the Spaniard's statistical record at the head of the Lusitanian bench remains impressive and unique in the history of this country:
Winning percentage: Martinez boasts a winning ratio of 70%, the highest figure achieved by any other coach in the history of the Portuguese national team.
Offensive efficiency: Under his leadership, the team appeared quite productive, becoming the fastest coach to reach the 100-goal mark.
Trophies won: After being eliminated on penalties by France in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, Martinez led Portugal to their second Nations League triumph, defeating Spain in the 2025 final.
World Cup history: The Spaniard has mixed experience from the past two World Cups with Belgium, where he finished third in 2018 but suffered a shocking elimination in the group stage in 2022.
Now, ahead of his inevitable departure in July, the 52-year-old has a golden chance to do what no Portuguese or foreign coach has ever done before in the nation's history: declare Portugal World Champions.
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