The managerial shake-up following the 2026 FIFA World Cup has continued, with eight national team coaches leaving their positions so far after their countries were eliminated from the tournament.
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez became the latest to step down after his side’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 on Monday.
The 52-year-old, who was consistently criticised for sticking with ageing captain Cristiano Ronaldo no matter what, had been in charge since 2023.
Speaking with reporters after the match, Martinez, whose departure was expected with his contract ending, said: “It is true that it was my last game with the Portugal national team “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 exit follows that of Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz, who resigned after the Black Stars were eliminated in the Round of 32.
Several other countries have also parted ways with their coaches following disappointing World Cup campaigns, including Germany, Ecuador, the Netherlands, Czechia, Scotland and South Korea.
Coaches who have left after 2026 World Cup elimination
- Roberto Martinez (Portugal) – Resigned after Portugal’s 1-0 Round of 16 defeat to Spain.
- Carlos Queiroz (Ghana) – Stepped down after Ghana’s Round of 32 exit.
- Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) – Left after Germany’s elimination.
- Sebastián Beccacece (Ecuador) – Departed following Ecuador’s exit.
- Ronald Koeman (Netherlands) – Left after the Netherlands’ elimination.
- Miroslav Koubek (Czechia) – Left after Czechia were knocked out.
- Steve Clarke (Scotland) – Departed after Scotland’s campaign ended.
- Hong Myung-bo (South Korea) – Left following South Korea’s elimination.
With the tournament now in the quarter-final stage, further coaching changes are expected as national federations review performances and begin preparations for the next international cycle.
Source: Saheed Oyelakin, Punch Newspaper
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