It's official: Roberto Martínez has left the Portuguese national team—he will be replaced by Jorge Jesus

Portugal's national team has officially been left without a head coach following the end of its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. Roberto Martínez announced his departure immediately after his side's 1–0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16.

“This is the end of a cycle. It is now important for the national team to have a new coach. The federation president has the right to make his choice. I am grateful to everyone for their support,” Martínez said at the post-match press conference.

The Spanish coach had been in charge of Portugal since 2023. During his tenure, he guided the team to victory in the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League, but the disappointing performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup brought his spell with the national team to an end.

According to the respected Portuguese publication A Bola, the Portuguese Football Federation has already decided on Martínez's successor. The new head coach is expected to be 71-year-old Jorge Jesus, who is the leading and virtually uncontested candidate for the position.

The experienced coach is expected to prepare the team for the next two major tournaments — UEFA Euro 2028 and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Portugal will co-host.

Jesus' appointment will also mark a reunion with Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo. The two previously worked together successfully at Saudi club Al-Nassr, where they won the league title during the 2025/26 season. Afterward, Jesus left the club, stating that he had accepted the role primarily to help Ronaldo win his first trophy with Al-Nassr.

The coaching change came after Portugal's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team exited the tournament in the Round of 16 after a narrow 1–0 defeat to Spain. Mikel Merino scored the only goal of the match, while Spain midfielder Rodri was named Player of the Match.