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After the defeat to Spain in the round of 16, Roberto Martinez confirmed his departure from the Portuguese national team. According to Portuguese daily A Bola, Jorge Jesus is the leading candidate for the position…
Coach Roberto Martinez has confirmed that he is leaving the Portugal national team after the 1-0 defeat to Spain in Arlington, Texas, a result that ended the team's journey to the 1/8 finals of the 2026 World Cup. The Spanish coach, who took charge of Portugal in 2023, stated that his mission ends with this tournament, while his contract expired after the World Cup.
"Yes, this was my last match with the national team. I am proud of this journey. I led the team in 45 matches and felt welcomed and appreciated in Portugal. This is a memory that I will always carry with me," said Martinez.
He described his time at the helm of Portugal as an honor and a great responsibility, adding that "this is the end of a cycle" and that the national team needs "a new voice."
Martinez also thanked the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, Pedro Proença, and the federation's leaders for their continued support during his term.
According to Portuguese daily A Bola, the leading candidate to succeed him is Jorge Jesus. The Portuguese Football Federation considers the 71-year-old coach the most suitable choice to lead the national team in the next cycle, with a view to the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal will co-host with Spain and Morocco.
Portuguese media adds that Jorge Jesus is expected to hold a meeting with president Pedro Proença soon to discuss the terms of the contract.
Last season, Jorge Jesus managed Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where he worked with Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix.
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