Roberto Martinez to leave Portugal after World Cup, won’t renew contract

Roberto Martinez will walk away from the Portugal national team after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, regardless of how the tournament plays out. He has made it clear that any conversations about extensions or his personal future will wait until after the tournament wraps up.

Martinez replaced Fernando Santos and took over Portugal on January 9, 2023, signing a contract that runs through the end of the World Cup.

A tenure worth examining

The highlight of his time in charge came in 2025, when he led Portugal to the UEFA Nations League title. His World Cup qualifying campaign has been solid as well.

Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41, will captain Portugal at the 2026 World Cup, marking his sixth appearance at the tournament.

Enter Mourinho

The Portuguese Football Federation is reportedly already looking at José Mourinho as Martinez’s potential successor. Mourinho is currently managing Benfica.

Mourinho’s Europa Conference League win with Roma in 2022 showed he could still conjure results. For the FPF, Mourinho is Portuguese, he’s a global brand, and he would generate enormous excitement around the national team program.

What this means for the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the first expanded World Cup featuring 48 teams.

Portugal’s squad includes players like Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, and Rafael Leão.

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