Portugal exit FIFA WC 2026: PM Montenegro backs team after Spain defeat
Synopsis
Mikel Merino's late extra-time goal ended Portugal's World Cup 2026 journey and, with it, Cristiano Ronaldo's last shot at football's biggest trophy. As PM Montenegro rallied the nation and coach Roberto Martinez resigned, Portugal faces an era-defining rebuild — without its greatest-ever player at the centre of it.
Key Takeaways
Portugal lost 1-0 to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 last-16 at Dallas Stadium on 7 July , with Mikel Merino scoring the decisive goal in extra time.
A sellout crowd of 70,649 witnessed the tense Iberian derby, which was goalless through the first half and regular time.
Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed the 2026 World Cup was his final appearance in the tournament.
Head coach Roberto Martinez stepped down following the elimination after three-and-a-half years in charge.
PM Luis Montenegro posted on X backing the squad, saying Portugal would 'face the future with ambition and confidence.'
Portugal crashed out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at the last-16 stage on 7 July, falling 1-0 to neighbours Spain in a tense Iberian derby at Dallas Stadium, ending Cristiano Ronaldo's final bid for football's biggest prize. In the aftermath, Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro rallied behind the national squad, while head coach Roberto Martinez confirmed his resignation and Ronaldo bade farewell to the World Cup stage.
How the Match Unfolded
Before a sellout crowd of 70,649 at Dallas Stadium, reigning European champions Spain and Portugal were locked in a goalless first half, with both sides creating clear chances but failing to convert. The deadlock held through regular time and deep into extra time, before Mikel Merino broke free in an attacking move and slotted past goalkeeper Diogo Costa near the end of extra time. The solitary goal was enough to send Spain into the quarterfinals and end Portugal's campaign.
PM Montenegro's Message of Support
Prime Minister Luis Montenegro took to social media platform X to express his backing for the squad. 'These athletes bring prestige and pride to Portugal,' Montenegro posted. 'We fought until the end, and now we will face the future with ambition and confidence.' He added: 'We are going to make the quinas (the five shields on the Portuguese flag) shine even brighter.' The message struck a forward-looking tone, acknowledging the defeat while projecting national resolve ahead of future campaigns.
Ronaldo Confirms Final World Cup Bow
Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed after the match that the 2026 edition was his last World Cup appearance. Speaking with evident emotion, Ronaldo said: 'It's sad to leave the World Cup this way. I gave my best and I leave with a clear conscience. That's the life of a football player. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose and we need to keep going. The truth is that it was my last World Cup.' The statement drew an outpouring of tributes from across the football world, marking the close of one of the sport's most decorated international careers.
Martinez Steps Down, Pays Tribute to Ronaldo
Head coach Roberto Martinez announced his departure from the Portugal job following the elimination. In his farewell remarks, Martinez paid generous tribute to his captain, describing Ronaldo as 'an exemplary captain' whose commitment had never wavered across their three-and-a-half years together. 'There aren't many Cristiano Ronaldos,' Martinez said. 'His dream was to win the World Cup, and he gave everything for that dream. He has been an example as a footballer, as a captain and as a human being.'
What Comes Next for Portugal
With Martinez gone and Ronaldo stepping away from the World Cup stage, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) faces a significant rebuilding exercise. The search for a new head coach is expected to begin promptly, with the next major target being the UEFA Nations League and ultimately qualification for the 2030 World Cup. This exit marks the end of an era for Portuguese football, with a generational transition now unavoidable.
Point of View
And his exit was predictable. The harder question — one Portuguese football has deferred for years — is who leads this team into a post-Ronaldo era, and whether the depth of talent behind him is sufficient to sustain elite competition without the psychological crutch of the world's most famous player.
NationPress
7 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Portugal exit the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Portugal were eliminated at the last-16 stage, losing 1-0 to Spain at Dallas Stadium on 7 July 2026. Mikel Merino scored the only goal near the end of extra time to send Spain through to the quarterfinals.
Was this Cristiano Ronaldo's last World Cup?
Yes. Ronaldo confirmed after the defeat that the 2026 edition was his final World Cup appearance, saying he 'gave his best' and leaves 'with a clear conscience.'
Why did Roberto Martinez resign?
Martinez stepped down as Portugal head coach following the team's elimination from the 2026 World Cup. He had been in charge for three-and-a-half years and confirmed his departure after the last-16 loss to Spain.
What did PM Luis Montenegro say about Portugal's World Cup exit?
Prime Minister Montenegro posted on X backing the squad, saying 'these athletes bring prestige and pride to Portugal' and that the nation would 'face the future with ambition and confidence.' He also vowed to make Portugal's quinas 'shine even brighter.'
What happens next for the Portugal national team?
With Martinez gone and Ronaldo retiring from World Cup football, the Portuguese Football Federation is expected to begin a search for a new head coach. Portugal's next major targets are the UEFA Nations League and qualification for the 2030 World Cup.
