Portugal coach Martinez to leave after World Cup exit to Spain

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Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 16 - Portugal v Spain - Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas, U.S. - July 6, 2026 Portugal coach Roberto Martinez reacts REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 16 - Portugal v Spain - Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas, U.S. - July 6, 2026 Portugal coach Roberto Martinez gives instructions to Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves and Ruben Dias during a hydration break REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 16 - Portugal v Spain - Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas, U.S. - July 6, 2026 Portugal coach Roberto Martinez speaks to players during the first half hydration break REUTERS/Issei Kato
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 16 - Portugal v Spain - Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas, U.S. - July 6, 2026 Portugal coach Roberto Martinez before the match REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

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ARLINGTON, Texas, July 6 : Portugal manager Roberto Martinez said he was leaving his role after Spain beat his side 1-0 in the World Cup last-16 on Monday, calling the defeat the end of a cycle for the team.

• Martinez said his contract ended on Monday and Portugal's football leadership now had the chance to appoint a new coach.

• The Spaniard said he had come to Portugal to win the World Cup and saw no point in continuing after failing to achieve that target.

• Portugal's exit also means their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to announce his international retirement after a long international career.

• Martinez praised 41-year-old Ronaldo as an exemplary captain and thanked him for his contribution to Portugal, while avoiding further comment on the player's future.

Source: Reuters

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