Bruno Fernandes said he was “sad, frustrated, and disappointed” at Portugal’s early exit from the World Cup, saying the team fell below his high expectations. 

Portugal were dumped out of the World Cup by Spain in the last 16, with Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time winner sending the European champions into the quarter-finals. 

The Selecao have now lost/been eliminated from six of their last eight World Cup knockout-stage matches, having lost just one of their first five in the competition.

It was a result that was also followed by Roberto Martinez stepping down from his head coach position, with the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) confirming his departure on Wednesday. 

Portugal finished second to Colombia in Group K after taking five points from their three games, before defeating Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic last-32 tie. 

Martinez’s side were tipped to challenge for a first World Cup crown in North America, with this also being Cristiano Ronaldo’s last shot at glory after he announced he would not play in FIFA’s flagship tournament again, and Fernandes believes this was an opportunity missed. 

“Sad, frustrated, and disappointed,” Fernandes wrote in a social media post. 

“This group of players raised my expectations high, not only because of their quality, but also because of the incredible team we’ve built over the years. 

“Thank you to all the players, the coaching staff, and everyone who supported us and helped us every day during the World Cup. 

“To all the Portuguese people, a big thank you for your support and belief.”

Fernandes himself struggled to make an impact at the World Cup, having broken the Premier League assist record for a single season in 2025-26 (21) and being named the division’s Player of the Year. 

However, he managed just one assist at the tournament. Portugal have now failed to go beyond the quarter-finals of the World Cup since finishing third back in 1996. 

It has been reported that Jorge Jesus, who coached Ronaldo to his first Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr last season, is in line to replace Martinez.