Roberto Martinez has reportedly declined to renew his contract as Portugal manager after the ongoing 2026 World Cup, with his contract set to expire at the end of July this year.
The former Belgium manager has indicated he will resign regardless of Portugal’s success at this summer’s World Cup in South America, according to talkSPORT.
The Spanish manager will call a time-out from a successful managerial career with Portugal after three years in charge, while guiding them to their second Nations League triumph, with a victory over Spain in the 2025 final.
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The 52-year-old manager boasts a 70 per cent win ratio with Portugal, the highest of any manager in the nation’s history, while he is also the fastest to oversee 100 goals.
The Perfect farewell for the manager will be the opportunity to lift the most elusive trophy in Portugal’s trophy cabinet, the FIFA World Cup, with the Seleção das Quinas aiming to clinch it for the very first time in July.
Portugal will begin their World Cup campaign on Wednesday against African giants DR Congo as one of the favourites, with international stars such as Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha lining up alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
Martinez enjoyed a high point with Belgium’s third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup, but that achievement was overshadowed by a disappointing group-stage exit in 2022, bringing a frustrating end to an era that promised much more.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, the ex-Everton and Swansea boss said: “I wouldn’t say there’s an anxiety in Portugal to win the World Cup.
“I would say it’s excitement, hope. That comes with these players.
“We’re talking about Cristiano Ronaldo. The Manchester United captain [Bruno Fernandes]. The Porto captain [Diogo Costa]. The Man City captain [Bernardo Silva]. Four important players at the European champions [Paris Saint-Germain]. That makes the Portuguese people feel good.
“We know we’ve never won the World Cup; that tells us it’s hard.
“We know things can change fast, that talent alone is not enough, that small details can go against you, and of course it’s a hammer blow when you don’t succeed, but let us dream.
“I think we can. And that’s the attitude I want our team to have.”
Martinez is open to a Premier League return, but does not rule out taking another international assignment after his Portugal exit.
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