52-year-old Portuguese head coach announces departure: "Without winning the World Cup, staying is meaningless!" Successor revealed

Following the Round of 16 match on July 7 Beijing time, Portugal fell 0-1 to Spain, missing out on the top eight. After being knocked out, 52-year-old Portuguese coach Martinez declared his resignation during the press conference.[Watch the World Cup on Migu Video]

Martinez stated bluntly: "This is indeed my last match with the Portuguese national team. I came to Portugal to win the World Cup. I believe that if I can't win, continuing is pointless. The board and the president now have the opportunity to select a new national team head coach. I thank everyone for all the support you have given me."

Martinez, 52, began coaching Portugal in January 2023, taking over from legendary coach Fernando Santos, who stepped down after the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Over three and a half years, Martinez led the team to 32 wins, 6 draws, and 6 losses, with a win rate exceeding 70%. However, in terms of trophies, he only helped Portugal win last year's UEFA Nations League title.

According to Portuguese authoritative media "A Bola," Martinez's successor will be Jorge Jesus. The 71-year-old Portuguese coach is the choice of Portuguese Football Federation president Proença, and he will lead Portugal through the cycles of the 2028 European Championship and the 2030 World Cup.

The 2030 World Cup will be jointly hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco. Portugal will be one of the host nations, enjoying a significant home-field advantage.

Notably, Jorge Jesus was the head coach of Saudi league giant Al-Nassr last season, and he is arguably the best among the club's past managers in terms of relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo.

It remains to be seen whether, after Jorge Jesus takes over, Cristiano Ronaldo will reconsider and choose to stay with the national team to compete in the European Championship in two years.

Watch the World Cup on Migu Video. The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico is in full swing; go to Migu Video to watch all matches of the 48 teams in the World Cup.