Roberto Martinez will leave the Portuguese team coach position after the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup will be the last time Roberto Martinez leads the Portuguese team. According to information from talkSPORT, the Spanish coach has decided not to renew his contract, which will expire at the end of July, and will leave his position leading the Seleção after the end of the tournament, regardless of the results achieved. This is a well-thought-out decision and will mark the end of a cycle that began in 2023. Over the past three years, Martinez has notched up impressive numbers, achieving the highest winning percentage in Portuguese team history and becoming the fastest coach to reach 100 goals for the team. After being eliminated in the quarterfinals of Euro 2024 against France via penalty shootout, the former coach of Belgium, Everton and Wigan revived the Portuguese team by winning the 2025 Nations League championship thanks to victory over Spain in the final. Currently, the biggest remaining goal is to bring the country the first World Cup championship in history. With stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Vitinha, the Portuguese team is one of the top contenders for this title. Ahead of the tournament, Martinez declared: "In Portugal, I don't see anxiety, but excitement and hope. We know that winning the World Cup is extremely difficult and that talent is not enough. However, we must allow ourselves to dream. I believe that we can do it and this is the spirit that I want to convey to the team." After finishing his term with the Portuguese team, the Spanish coach will consider his future. There are now a number of options on the table: a return to the Premier League, a new adventure at a European club or another experience with a national team.