Roberto Martinez to Leave Portugal National Football Team After World Cup
Roberto Martinez will leave the portugal national football team after the current World Cup campaign, with his contract set to expire at the end of July. The move ends his tenure after a run that added to Portugal’s trophy cabinet and sends the Portuguese FA into a search for a new head coach before the next cycle settles.
Martinez's July Exit
Martinez has decided not to renew his deal, and his departure will come when it expires in late July. The Portuguese FA are fully aware of that choice, which lets them move ahead with finding a high-profile successor rather than waiting for the tournament to finish.
Alex Crook said, "I am told it it is his decision not to renew his contract with Martinez looking to return to club management either in the Premier League or a top European side, or potentially, take over one of the other big European nations."
Portugal's Trophy Run
The timing comes after Portugal added silverware under Martinez. They were European champions in 2016 and won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025, a stretch that gives the federation a clear standard for the next appointment.
That makes the change more than a routine handover. Portugal are not rebuilding from zero; they are replacing a manager after a period that included two Nations League titles and a European Championship, so the next coach inherits a team with recent winning habits and immediate expectations.
Ronaldo's Final Tournament
The group stage begins on Wednesday, June 17, when Portugal open against DR Congo. They face Uzbekistan on June 23 and finish the section against Colombia on June 28, with Cristiano Ronaldo widely expected to be playing in his final major tournament.
Alex Crook added, "We've not heard anything publicly about it, but no doubt, he will be asked about it the next time he faces the media. But the decision has been made in conjunction with the Portuguese FA, so they can start looking for a potential successor." For Portugal, the immediate task is simple: finish the tournament, then hand the job to the next man.
