The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has officially confirmed the departure of head coach Roberto Martinez following the national team’s last-16 World Cup elimination by Spain.

The 52-year-old had already publicly announced his intention to step down from the role he originally assumed in January 2023.

A formal statement released by the FPF on Wednesday verified the immediate end of their contractual relationship with the manager and his entire backroom staff.

Mixed tournament record

The Iberian nation secured a second-place finish in their World Cup group after drawing with Colombia and DR Congo, alongside a resounding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan.

They subsequently defeated Croatia in the last-32 before suffering a decisive tournament exit at the hands of their fierce geographical rivals on Monday.

While the Spaniard successfully guided the squad to the Uefa Nations League title in 2025, his tenure was also marked by a disappointing quarter-final penalty shootout defeat to France at Euro 2024.

Ronaldo reliance heavily scrutinised

The former Belgium manager faced intense and consistent scrutiny over his unwavering decision to start 41-year-old forward Cristiano Ronaldo across back-to-back global tournaments.

BBC pundit Chris Sutton recently criticised this tactical approach, suggesting the outgoing coach was actively pandering to the legendary attacker.

“I came to Portugal with the objective of winning the World Cup and because I haven’t won it wouldn’t make sense to continue. My contract ends today.”

The departing tactician offered this blunt explanation regarding his resignation immediately after the narrow 1-0 loss to Spain.

Search for a successor begins

The governing body has immediately commenced the search for a new permanent head coach.

According to the federation, the primary objective is to find a candidate capable of continuing to promote the ambition and established winning culture within the national team setup.

Ruben Amorim has apologised to Manchester United supporters for his abrupt departure in January after being officially unveiled as the new head coach of AC Milan.

The Portuguese tactician left Old Trafford earlier this year following a disappointing 18-month tenure at the helm.

Amorim had been out of work since his dismissal but has now taken charge of the Italian giants.

‘I did some mistakes’

Speaking at his official presentation on Wednesday, the 41-year-old reflected on his time in the Premier League.

The former Sporting boss admitted he felt compelled to express his regrets over how his exit was handled.

“The only thing I can say is that I learn a lot and I did some mistakes.”
“I didn’t have opportunity – and I am sorry for that – to say something to the Manchester United fans at the moment. I am really proud to have been their coach for a year.”

A greater challenge in Italy

Despite his recent struggles in England, the highly rated coach remains confident in his abilities to succeed in Serie A.

Amorim described his new role at San Siro as an even bigger test than the one he faced with the Red Devils.

In a recent interview with Italian media, the newly appointed manager explained his decision to accept the demanding position.

“It’s a very big challenge that I accepted even if after the last one I told myself to accept a smaller one.”
“Perhaps it is a greater challenge than the last. I’m proud to be here, we all are, me and my staff.”

Hunger for success

The former midfielder also highlighted his deep admiration for his new employers and their storied history.

He revealed a lifelong affinity for the Rossoneri and expressed his satisfaction with the tranquil environment at Milanello.

“I follow Milan since I’m young, so it’s personal.”
“The belief that I had at Sporting, is the same belief I have now, with a little bit more hunger.”

Acknowledging the tactical demands of Italian football, Amorim insisted he is a fast learner eager to bring long-term success back to the club.

Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas has completed a landmark free transfer to Women’s Super League side London City Lionesses following her departure from Barcelona.

The 32-year-old midfielder left the Catalan giants in May after an illustrious 14-year spell that yielded multiple Champions League and domestic titles.

Regarded globally as one of the finest players in women’s football history, the Spanish World Cup champion is currently the favourite to claim a third Ballon d’Or this October.

Her arrival signifies a massive statement of intent from the fast-emerging English club, who completed their debut Women’s Super League campaign in sixth place last season.

A ‘Galacticos’ project taking shape

The capture of the former Barcelona captain adds to an increasingly star-studded squad assembled under the ownership of Michele Kang.

The ambitious independent outfit has aggressively targeted high-profile international talent this summer, assembling a roster that features:

Speaking on her decision to move to the English capital, the midfield maestro highlighted the unique vision of her new employers.

“The club’s ambition and its steadfast commitment to growing as a women-only independent club resonate deeply with me,” Putellas stated.

The legendary playmaker added that she is equally excited to work alongside Kang to elevate the women’s game globally while driving youth development.

Restoring power and driving growth

London City are expected to experience rapid commercial and sporting growth following the arrival of such a high-profile European icon.

Club owner Kang described the acquisition as a powerful endorsement of the independent organisation’s ongoing project.

“Alexia embodies the pinnacle of talent, dedication, and vision in women’s football,” Kang remarked.

The veteran midfielder recently returned to the peak of her powers in Spain, stepping up crucially during the injury absence of former team-mate Aitana Bonmati.

Before leaving Catalonia, she successfully captained Barcelona to their fourth Champions League crown earlier this year and was named the competition’s player of the season.

Operating under the guidance of Spanish head coach Eder Maestre, the top-flight newcomers now look poised to mount a serious title challenge.

Chelsea teenager Jesse Derry has agreed a new long-term contract until 2032 ahead of an expected season-long loan move to Sporting.

The highly rated 19-year-old is set to head to Portugal for the remainder of the campaign to gain valuable senior experience.

A final agreement with the Liga Portugal outfit has not yet been officially completed, but negotiations are at an advanced stage.

Rapid rise through the Stamford Bridge academy

The dynamic winger arrived in west London from Crystal Palace last summer and immediately established himself as a prolific attacking threat.

He scored 19 goals in just 23 appearances for the Under-18s during his debut campaign, prompting a swift promotion to the Under-21 squad.

His impressive developmental form eventually caught the eye of the senior coaching staff, leading to three first-team appearances last season including a Premier League debut.

Overcoming a recent injury setback

The young attacker recently featured in a youth fixture against Nottingham Forest but suffered a concerning head injury.

He was forced off on a stretcher just before half-time following a severe clash of heads with Zach Abbott.

Despite this brief setback, the former Eagles prospect is now preparing to test himself on the continent and could even feature in the Champions League.

Strengthening ties in Lisbon

This impending temporary transfer further highlights the growing relationship between the Blues and their Portuguese counterparts.

The Premier League side have already negotiated extensively with the Lisbon outfit, recently agreeing a £40m deal to sign Sporting teenager Geovany Quenda.

Lionel Messi, Harry Kane and Youri Tielemans are dominating the individual statistical charts as the 2026 World Cup enters the quarter-final stage.

The highly anticipated round of 16 has concluded, providing a detailed look at the numbers behind the eight remaining teams.

Defending champions Argentina currently lead the expected goals (xG) metrics across the entire tournament.

This attacking dominance is driven by their talismanic captain, who tops the Golden Boot standings despite having missed two penalties.

England’s creative output and midfield steel

Thomas Tuchel’s England squad have surprisingly created the second-best scoring opportunities, sitting marginally ahead of Spain.

The Three Lions have relied heavily on aerial dominance, registering a tournament-high 22 headed attempts so far.

Elliot Anderson has provided crucial defensive stability and much-needed bite for the national team.

The dynamic midfielder ranks near the top of the defensive contribution charts, famously sparking Jude Bellingham’s second goal against Mexico with a vital tackle.

Meanwhile, the English captain continues to lead by example with an immense physical work rate.

The prolific striker has covered over 53 kilometres across his five appearances in the tournament.

Distance covered and possession mastery

Belgium stand out as the hardest-working collective side, boasting four players in the top 10 for distance covered.

Aston Villa playmaker Youri Tielemans leads the overall standings after surpassing the 60km mark during their knockout victory over the USA.

Elsewhere, Spain remain absolutely true to their traditional footballing ideals by dominating the overall possession statistics.

A central trio of Rodri, Pedri and Dani Olmo has been instrumental in keeping the ball circulating rapidly.

The Barcelona youngster has also forced the most turnovers in the competition, perfectly supplementing their high-possession approach.

Golden Boot contenders and defensive resilience

The race for the tournament’s top scorer features several elite forwards generating exceptional underlying numbers:

France will feel highly confident heading into their quarter-final clash against Morocco based on recent underlying data.

The North African side have mustered an expected goals tally of just 6.4 across five matches, taking the fewest shots inside the penalty area of any remaining team.

However, the Atlas Lions remain fiercely aggressive without the ball, with Neil El Aynoui recording the most direct presses of the competition.

England manager Thomas Tuchel faces a severe selection crisis at right-back ahead of Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway in Miami.

The Three Lions showed magnificent defensive defiance in their fiery last-16 victory over Mexico in Mexico City.

However, the physical toll of that encounter leaves the squad heavily depleted as they prepare to face Erling Haaland this weekend.

Defensive depletion leaves limited options

Jarell Quansah is definitively ruled out through suspension following his red card at the Azteca Stadium.

First-choice option Reece James has not trained for a fortnight after straining his hamstring.

While the Chelsea captain is slowly recovering, risking him for a full 90 minutes could prematurely end his tournament.

Djed Spence is also nursing a minor issue and looked far from comfortable during his late substitute appearance against the Mexicans.

Tuchel seeks solutions for Miami showdown

This unprecedented shortage leaves Ezri Konsa as the most likely candidate to fill the vacant defensive role.

Shifting the Aston Villa centre-half out wide would likely see John Stones partnered by a different central defender.

The German manager had already faced criticism for his initial squad selection after picking players with known fitness issues.

Calling up central defender Trevoh Chalobah to replace the injured Tino Livramento earlier in the summer now appears to be a costly gamble.

Focus shifts to Haaland threat

The squad has spent the past two days decompressing and recovering at their base on the explicit orders of their head coach.

Players were seen relaxing and cycling around their hotel complex alongside late defensive hero Dan Burn.

But the relaxation period is over as attention swiftly turns to nullifying Norway’s potent attacking threat.

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes France will win the upcoming World Cup, identifying European champions Spain as the only nation capable of stopping Didier Deschamps’ side.

The current FIFA Chief of Global Football Development remains confident that his home nation will secure global glory later this month.

Les Bleus are seeking redemption after falling at the final hurdle against Argentina in the previous tournament, having previously lifted the trophy in 2018.

However, Luis de la Fuente’s side pose a significant obstacle, having defeated the French in both the Euro 2024 semi-final and a recent Nations League clash.

Technical brilliance threatens French dominance

Despite recent head-to-head struggles, the former Gunners boss remains steadfast in his prediction.

“France will win the World Cup,” Wenger told Sky Sports.

“I know you will say, ‘of course you say that, you’re French’.”

“But when you analyse the World Cup, the train goes at a certain pace and you have to be capable of getting on the train.”

The Frenchman noted that several Asian teams have already been eliminated because they could not cope with the intense physical demands of the tournament.

Spain provide the ultimate test

“The real question for me is Spain,” Wenger continued.

“If one team is capable now of beating France I would say it is Spain because their technical level is better than France.”

“They have quality and a culture of collective football that nobody else in the world has at that level.”

“That could be the decider between these two but of course France is stronger physically.”

Path to the semi-finals

The two European heavyweights are currently on a collision course to meet in the final four of the competition.

To reach that highly anticipated showdown, Les Bleus must first defeat Morocco, while Los Rojos are tasked with overcoming Belgium.

Meanwhile, the opposite side of the knockout bracket features both England and defending champions Argentina.

The Three Lions face Norway in their quarter-final tie, hoping to secure a semi-final spot alongside the winner of the clash between the South American giants and Switzerland.

Belgium have eliminated the United States from the World Cup after securing a comprehensive 4-1 victory in their knockout tie.

The heavy defeat marks a bitterly disappointing end to the tournament for the North American side, who had previously drawn praise for their dangerous and creative attacking play.

However, the squad inexplicably capitulated on the grandest stage during what was widely billed as their most significant fixture for a generation.

Questions raised over Balogun inclusion

In the aftermath of the elimination, intense scrutiny has fallen on the tactical decisions made leading into the crucial match.

Much of the post-match analysis has centred around the controversial inclusion of Folarin Balogun in the starting lineup.

The former Arsenal striker struggled to make a meaningful impact against a resolute European defence, leaving pundits and supporters alike questioning the selection.

A missed opportunity for a promising squad

Prior to this crushing exit, the team had displayed glimpses of genuine quality that suggested they were capable of a deep run in the competition.

Instead, the unravelling of their defensive structure against such clinical opposition exposes a lingering fragility when placed under immense pressure.

The focus will now inevitably shift towards a rigorous inquest into exactly why the national team collapsed so dramatically when the stakes were at their absolute highest.