Portugal coach Martinez resigns after World Cup exit, says title was the only goal

Roberto Martinez, the 52-year-old Spanish coach of Portugal's national football team, announced his resignation Tuesday after the side failed to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals.

Speaking at a news conference after Portugal's 1-0 loss to Spain in the round of 16 at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Martinez said he had taken charge of the national team with the sole aim of winning the World Cup. "Since I was unable to achieve that, there is no longer any meaning in continuing as coach," he said.

"My contract ends on Tuesday," Martinez said. "The president and board of the Portuguese Football Federation now have the opportunity to choose a new head coach. I have nothing more to say."

He added that the match against Spain was his last in charge of Portugal. "I am very proud," he said. "I was welcomed as if I were Portuguese, and that feeling was a source of joy, pride and responsibility for me."

Martinez took charge of the Portugal national team in January 2023.

Earlier in his career, he led Belgium to a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

His goal at this World Cup was the title, by far. He had planned to advance step by step alongside superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who had signaled this tournament as his "last dance."

The early signs were promising.

Under Martinez, Portugal swept through qualifying for UEFA Euro 2024 with 10 wins from 10 matches. They were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the tournament itself, but fan expectations remained high.

Portugal then topped Group F in European qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, finishing with four wins, one draw and one loss.

At the tournament, they advanced from Group K in second place with one win and two draws, then beat Croatia 2-1 in the round of 32 to reach the round of 16.

But they could not get past Spain, and their run came to an end.

Martinez finished his tenure with a record of 30 wins, nine draws and six losses — a win rate of 66.67 percent.

Martinez also had warm words for Ronaldo, who had indicated the tournament was effectively his "last dance." "I want to thank him for his exemplary role as captain," Martinez said. "The records speak for themselves, but it was not just the goals — his assists were outstanding too. Ronaldo has lived a life devoted to football."

Meanwhile, a string of European coaches have stepped down after early exits from the tournament.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann resigned, taking responsibility for his team's early elimination.

Germany lost to Paraguay on penalties in the round of 32 on June 29. The four-time World Cup champions have now failed to advance past the round of 16 for three consecutive tournaments, following their exits at Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.

Ronald Koeman also stepped down as Netherlands coach after the side was knocked out by Morocco in the round of 32.

The Netherlands had never failed to reach the round of 16 in their previous 11 World Cup appearances and had reached the quarterfinals as recently as Qatar 2022. In this expanded 48-team tournament, however, they were eliminated at the first knockout stage.

Czech Republic coach Miroslav Koubek also left his post after his side suffered a comeback defeat to South Korea in the group stage. The Czechs lost 2-1 to South Korea in their opening match, drew 1-1 with South Africa, and were then beaten 3-0 by co-host Mexico.