Robert Martinez Reportedly Set to Leave Portugal After 2026 FIFA World Cup
Roberto Martinez has helped reshape Portugal into one of Europe’s most dangerous international teams, but his time could soon be coming to an end. As Cristiano Ronaldo and other stars prepare for their first game in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, they may soon be bidding farewell to their head coach.
Portugal will take on DR Congo in a Group K match on Wednesday. The European side is among the favorites to win the World Cup, with a balanced team across the field. But along with the players, their head coach Martinez deserves recognition for the immediate impact he has had on the squad. However, as reports suggest, this could be the last dance for both parties.
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According to talkSPORT, Martinez will not continue as Portugal manager after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Spaniard has decided against renewing his contract regardless of the outcome of the tournament, which expires at the end of July this year. Under him, Portugal have managed a 70% win ratio in the past 40 games, which is the highest of any Portugal manager.
Martinez also became the fastest coach in the national team’s history to guide Portugal to 100 goals. Portugal only lost five games, drew seven times, and won 28 games before the World Cup under the manager. The 52-year-old took over coaching duties in 2023, replacing Fernando Santos. Martinez failed to win UEFA Euro 2024 but did manage to win the UEFA Nations League in 2025, just like his predecessor.
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As far as his future is concerned, Martinez is reportedly looking to return to a club in England, explore opportunities elsewhere in Europe, or take on another international role. He has spent most of his managerial career in the Premier League, having previously managed Swansea City, Wigan Athletic, and Everton.
His most famous achievement came during the 2012-13 season when he won the FA Cup with Wigan Athletic against Manchester City in the final. Martinez also led the Belgium national team to its best World Cup finish after securing a third-place finish in 2018. The team defeated Brazil, England, and only lost to the winners, France, in Russia.
With so much experience in top-level competition, Martinez is now set to have his final run as Portugal’s coach and try to win the nation’s first World Cup title. Before beginning the search for his sixth team to manage, Martinez’s priority remains winning the most prestigious trophy in soccer alongside Ronaldo and other Portuguese stars.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Crédito: Link de origem
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