In brief
The FPF announced on 8 July 2026 that Roberto Martínez's contract as national coach had been terminated, having already signalled his departure after the World Cup exit.
Appointed in January 2023, Martínez led Portugal in 45 matches, winning the 2025 Nations League but failing to progress beyond the World Cup round of 16.
FPF president Pedro Proença has begun work on hiring a new coach, with Jorge Jesus reported as an early candidate.
- January 2023Appointed as Portugal head coach.
- 2025Portugal wins the UEFA Nations League under Martínez.
- July 2026Portugal eliminated by Spain in the World Cup round of 16.
- 8 July 2026FPF officially annouces end of contract.
Official announcement
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) announced on Wednesday that the contractual relationship with head coach Roberto Martínez and his technical staff had formally ended. The Spanish coach had already indicated after Portugal's 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup round of 16 that the match was his last in charge.
“The Portuguese Football Federation thanks Roberto Martinez and his technical staff for all their professionalism and dedication over the last three and a half years, a period marked by the Nations League win in 2025, as well as the dedication, professionalism and commitment with which he embraced the project and the way he always respected the country and Portuguese football.”
Martínez's record
The 52-year-old was appointed in January 2023 and oversaw 45 matches. Statistics vary slightly across sources: one report counts 32 wins, 6 draws and 7 defeats, while others cite 30 wins, 9 draws and 6 defeats, with 110 goals scored and 36 conceded. The tenure's obvious highlight was victory in the 2025 Nations League.
What's next
FPF president Pedro Proença is already working on appointing a successor. One outlet reports that Jorge Jesus has been offered a contract running to the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal will co-host with Spain and Morocco, though the federation has not confirmed this.
“The president of the Portuguese Football Federation is already working on hiring the future national coach, with the aim of continuing to promote the ambition and winning culture that must always guide the national team in all competitions it enters.”