According to recent reports, Roberto Martinez is expected to step down as Portugal national team coach after the 2026 World Cup, regardless of the results the team may achieve in the tournament.
The Spanish coach only has a contract until the end of July and has reportedly decided not to renew it. After three years in charge of Portugal, Martinez seems ready for a new challenge in his career.
According to talkSPORT , the 52-year-old has made the decision ahead of the World Cup and is considering a return to club football. A return to the Premier League remains an open option, while his name has also been linked with a number of high-profile positions across Europe.
Also, the possibility of him taking charge of another national team in the future is not ruled out.
Martinez’s time with Portugal has been mixed. Although the team was eliminated by France in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on penalties, the Portuguese responded strongly by defeating Spain in the Nations League final last summer.
Now his goal is to end his adventure with Portugal in the best possible way, attempting to bring the country its first World Cup trophy in history.
Portugal star remains doubtful for DR Congo match
Martinez also has experience in two World Cups with the Belgian national team. In 2018, he led the Belgians to third place, while four years later he experienced a huge disappointment with elimination in the group stage.
Portugal is considered one of the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup, thanks to a squad full of stars and quality in every department.
Their journey in the tournament will begin with a match against Congo, while in Group K they will also play against Uzbekistan and Colombia.
