Portugal manager Roberto Martinez is expected to leave his role once his contract expires at the conclusion of World Cup 2026, according to reports from Sky Sports News.

The announcement comes just one day before Portugal kick off their World Cup campaign against DR Congo at NRG Stadium in Houston, with further group-stage matches to follow against Uzbekistan — also in Houston — and Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium.

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) moved to issue a statement in response to the swirling speculation. "The FPF and Roberto Martinez are focused exclusively on the World Cup. The federation and the coach are aligned on this matter, as they have publicly stated," the FPF said in a release reported by the Mirror.

Mourinho in the picture before Real Madrid return

The 52-year-old Spaniard's imminent departure is understood to be tied to reports that the FPF had reached an informal agreement with Jose Mourinho before the Portuguese manager opted to return to Real Madrid, effectively removing him from contention for the Portugal job.

Martinez arrives at this World Cup with a wealth of experience — it is his third time managing at the tournament. He guided Portugal to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 in Germany, and previously steered Belgium through a decade of international competition after taking charge following their exit at Euro 2016.

Before entering international management, Martinez built his reputation in the British game. He managed Swansea City and Wigan Athletic with distinction before his appointment as Everton manager in the summer of 2013, spending three seasons at Goodison Park.

What comes next for Portugal

Portugal face a significant transition regardless of results in this tournament. Captain Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, is widely expected to retire from international football after the World Cup, leaving whoever takes the helm next with the considerable task of rebuilding around a new generation.

The prospect of finding a successor willing — and able — to take Portugal beyond the era of their all-time leading scorer is complicated further by Mourinho's unavailability. Some potential candidates may view the post-Ronaldo era as a fresh opportunity; others may regard it as an unenviable challenge.

On the pitch, Portugal have not reached a World Cup semi-final since 2006. They exited in the quarter-finals in Qatar four years ago, and Martinez will be eager to go one step further before he bids farewell to the role.