sports

Portugal Coach Martinez Resigns After World Cup Exit

Published July 7, 2026 · Updated July 7, 2026 · NRK

Roberto Martinez resigned as Portugal head coach after the team’s round‑of‑16 exit to Spain. He said he came to win the World Cup and saw no reason to stay.

Roberto Martinez stepped down as Portugal’s manager after the nation’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup round‑of‑16. The Spanish striker Mikel Merino scored the only goal in extra‑time on Monday, ending Portugal’s tournament run and prompting Martinez, who arrived in 2023 to win a World Cup, to declare he had no purpose in continuing.

Portugal will appoint a new coach ahead of the Nations League clash with Norway at Ullevaal in late September. Martinez thanked 41‑year‑old captain Cristiano Ronaldo for his leadership, but offered no comment on the star’s future with the national side. afrikasportnews.co.za

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