Roberto Martinez is set to step down as Portugal manager after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing an end to a successful three-year spell in charge of one of Europe’s most talented national teams.
According to reports, the Spanish coach has decided not to renew his contract, which expires at the end of July, regardless of how Portugal perform at the tournament in North America.
The decision is understood to have been made in consultation with the Portuguese Football Federation, allowing officials to begin planning for life after Martinez while the national team focuses on its World Cup campaign.
Portugal begin their quest for football’s biggest prize against DR Congo on Wednesday, with much of the attention centred on Cristiano Ronaldo, who is widely expected to be playing in his final World Cup.
Martinez’s departure will mark the end of a significant chapter for Portuguese football.
Since taking over in 2023, the former Everton, Wigan Athletic and Belgium manager has overseen one of the most successful periods in the national team’s history. His win percentage of around 70 per cent is the highest achieved by any Portugal manager, while he also became the fastest coach to guide the team to 100 goals.
Although Portugal suffered disappointment at Euro 2024 after a quarter-final exit to France on penalties, Martinez responded by leading the Selecao to Nations League glory in 2025, defeating Spain in the final to secure the country’s second title in the competition.
Now he has one final opportunity to leave an even greater legacy.
No Portugal manager has ever won the FIFA World Cup, and Martinez heads into the tournament with a squad many believe is capable of ending that wait.
Alongside Ronaldo, Portugal boast an array of elite talent including Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Bernardo Silva and several Champions League-winning stars from Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite his achievements with Portugal, Martinez’s international coaching career remains a subject of debate.
His spell with Belgium produced mixed results. He guided the Red Devils to a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup but later oversaw a disappointing group-stage exit in Qatar four years later despite having one of the most gifted generations of players in Belgian football history.
Some critics have questioned whether he fully maximised that squad’s potential, though supporters point to the difficulties of winning major tournaments and the consistency Belgium displayed during much of his tenure.
Martinez himself has attempted to temper expectations surrounding Portugal’s chances.
Ahead of the tournament, the 52-year-old insisted the mood in Portugal is driven more by hope than pressure.
“I wouldn’t say there’s anxiety in Portugal to win the World Cup,” Martinez said.
“I would say it’s excitement and hope. We know we’ve never won the World Cup and that tells us how difficult it is. Talent alone is not enough, but I think we can dream.”
The Spaniard is already considering his next move.
Reports suggest he is open to returning to club football, either in the Premier League or elsewhere in Europe, although another international management role has not been ruled out.
Former Portugal boss Jose Mourinho would likely have been among the favourites to replace him had he not recently taken charge of Real Madrid.
For now, however, Martinez’s focus remains entirely on the World Cup.
Whether Portugal lift the trophy or fall short, the tournament will be his last in charge.
The only question that remains is whether he can deliver the perfect farewell by achieving something no Portugal manager has ever done before.
