Spain end Portugal’s World Cup

Portugal’s World Cup campaign is over after a narrow and painful defeat to Spain.

The Iberian rivals met in the round of 16, where Spain edged through with a 1-0 win in Arlington, Texas. According to NBC New York, substitute Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in stoppage time after being played in by Ferran Torres.

For Portugal, it was a bitter end to a tournament that had carried major expectations. The result also appeared to close the World Cup chapter for Cristiano Ronaldo, who had already said this would be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage.

Martínez confirms departure

The defeat also brought an immediate end to Roberto Martínez’s time as Portugal head coach.

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According to Aftonbladet, Martínez confirmed after the match that he is stepping down, with his contract expiring after Portugal’s World Cup exit.

Asked whether the decision had already been made before the tournament, Martínez said: “No, I don’t think so. I came to Portugal to win the World Cup, and I think there is no point in continuing when we did not manage to do that.”

He added that the federation now has the opportunity to appoint a new head coach.

A mixed spell comes to an end

Martínez took charge of Portugal in January 2023, replacing Fernando Santos after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

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His time in charge brought success in the Nations League in 2025, but Portugal fell short at the major tournaments that mattered most. They exited Euro 2024 in the quarter-finals before this World Cup ended at the first knockout hurdle.

That record will shape how his spell is remembered. Portugal had one of the most talented squads in the tournament, but never fully turned that quality into a convincing campaign.

Jorge Jesus linked with the job

Portugal must now begin a new cycle before Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup, which the country will co-host with Spain and Morocco.

According to A Bola, Jorge Jesus is expected to become the next Portugal head coach. The 71-year-old is currently available after leaving Al Nassr at the end of last season.

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For Martínez, the ending was abrupt but clear.

He arrived with the aim of turning Portugal’s golden generation into world champions. After defeat to Spain, he admitted that mission had not been completed.

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