The managerial shake-up following the 2026 FIFA World Cup has continued, with eight national team coaches leaving their positions after their countries were eliminated from the tournament.
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez became the latest coach to step down after his side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 on Monday.
themomentng reports that the 52-year-old had been in charge of Portugal since 2023 but had repeatedly faced criticism over his continued reliance on aging captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Speaking with reporters after the defeat to Spain, Martinez confirmed that the game was his last in charge of the Portuguese national team.
“It is true that it was my last game with the Portugal national team,” he said.
“Thank you to the Portuguese people because it was an incredible period, a pride which I can’t describe.
“All that strength, energy we had from all the fans, from all the Portuguese people was incredible.
“Thank you for this and I take with me a memory for life.”
His departure had been widely expected, with his contract due to end after the tournament.
Martinez’s exit followed the resignation of Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz, who stepped down after the Black Stars were knocked out in the Round of 32.
Several other countries have also parted ways with their coaches after disappointing World Cup campaigns.
They include Germany, Ecuador, the Netherlands, Czechia, Scotland and South Korea.
Julian Nagelsmann left his role after Germany’s elimination, while Sebastián Beccacece departed following Ecuador’s exit.
Ronald Koeman also left after the Netherlands were knocked out, while Miroslav Koubek ended his spell with Czechia.
Steve Clarke departed after Scotland’s campaign came to an end, while Hong Myung-bo left following South Korea’s elimination.
The coaches who have left so far are:
- Roberto Martinez of Portugal
- Carlos Queiroz of Ghana
- Julian Nagelsmann of Germany
- Sebastián Beccacece of Ecuador
- Ronald Koeman of the Netherlands
- Miroslav Koubek of Czechia
- Steve Clarke of Scotland and
- Hong Myung-bo of South Korea.
themomentng reports that with the World Cup now in the quarter-final stage, more coaching changes are expected as national federations review their teams’ performances and begin preparations for the next international cycle.
