World Cup 2026: Martinez becomes eighth coach to leave after elimination [Full List]

By Abubakar Ojima-ojo

The fallout from the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to gather pace, with eight national team coaches already departing their roles following their countries’ elimination from the tournament.

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez became the latest high-profile casualty after confirming his exit following his side’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 on Monday.

Martinez, who took charge of Portugal in 2023, said his spell with the national team had come to an end immediately after the loss.

“My contract ends today. It’s the end of a cycle,” Martinez told reporters.

His departure adds to a growing list of managers who have either resigned or left their positions after disappointing World Cup campaigns.

Just days earlier, Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz stepped down following the Black Stars’ Round of 32 elimination. The veteran Portuguese coach announced his exit at the weekend, bringing an end to his stint in charge after Ghana failed to progress beyond the first knockout round.

Several other nations have also opted for managerial changes in the wake of their World Cup exits, with Germany, Ecuador, the Netherlands, Czechia, Scotland and South Korea all parting ways with their respective coaches.

Coaches who have left after World Cup 2026 elimination
Roberto Martinez (Portugal) – Stepped down after Portugal’s 1-0 Round of 16 defeat to Spain.
Carlos Queiroz (Ghana) – Resigned following Ghana’s Round of 32 exit.
Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) – Left his position after Germany were knocked out of the tournament.
Sebastián Beccacece (Ecuador) – Departed after Ecuador’s elimination.
Ronald Koeman (Netherlands) – Left the Dutch national team following their World Cup exit.
Miroslav Koubek (Czechia) – Lost his job after Czechia’s elimination.
Steve Clarke (Scotland) – Parted ways with Scotland after their campaign ended.
Hong Myung-bo (South Korea) – Exited as South Korea head coach following the team’s elimination.
With the tournament entering the quarter-final stage, more coaching changes could follow as football federations begin reviewing their teams’ performances and planning for the next international cycle.