COMPLETE ROSTER: Eight coaches who stepped down following 2026 World Cup knockout

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has triggered a wave of managerial changes, with eight national team coaches vacating their positions after their teams' elimination, a trend that is likely to continue as the tournament progresses.

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Portugal's Roberto Martinez is the latest to join the ranks of departing coaches, stepping down after his team's 1-0 loss to Spain in the Round of 16 on Monday, a defeat that marked the end of his tenure.

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Martinez, 52, had been at the helm since 2023 and faced criticism for his reliance on veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo, despite his advanced age.

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In a post-match interview, Martinez confirmed his departure, stating that the match against Spain was indeed his last in charge of the Portugal national team, and expressed his gratitude to the Portuguese people for their support.

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Martinez reflected on his time with the team, describing it as an "incredible period" and a "pride which I can't describe", and thanked the fans for their energy and strength throughout his tenure.

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His exit was expected, given that his contract was set to expire, and he took the opportunity to bid farewell, saying "Thank you for this and I take with me a memory for life".

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Martinez's departure follows that of Ghana's head coach Carlos Queiroz, who resigned after the Black Stars were eliminated in the Round of 32, marking another casualty of the tournament.

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Several other countries, including Germany, Ecuador, the Netherlands, Czechia, Scotland, and South Korea, have also parted ways with their coaches following disappointing World Cup campaigns.

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The list of departed coaches includes Roberto Martinez, who resigned after Portugal's 1-0 Round of 16 defeat to Spain, and Carlos Queiroz, who stepped down after Ghana's Round of 32 exit.

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Other coaches who have left their positions include Julian Nagelsmann of Germany, Sebastián Beccacece of Ecuador, Ronald Koeman of the Netherlands, Miroslav Koubek of Czechia, Steve Clarke of Scotland, and Hong Myung-bo of South Korea.

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As the tournament enters the quarter-final stage, further coaching changes are anticipated, with national federations set to review performances and begin preparations for the next international cycle.