The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has confirmed the departure of boss Roberto Martinez following the expiry of his contract.
"The Portuguese Football Federation announces that it officially ended its contractual relationship with the National Team Coach, Roberto Martinez, and his coaching staff this Wednesday," the FPF said in a statement.
The announcement came two days after Martinez said he would be leaving the role following Portugal's 1-0 defeat by Spain in the World Cup Round of 16 on Monday.
The 52-year-old Spaniard was appointed Portugal coach in January 2023 after leaving Belgium and guided the team to the UEFA Nations League title in 2025.
The FPF said it had already begun the search for a successor "with the aim of continuing to promote the ambition and winning culture" within the national team set-up.
Mexico have appointed Rafael Marquez as head coach to succeed Javier Aguirre following the co-hosts' elimination from the World Cup,
Marquez, 47, was Aguirre's assistant throughout the campaign, in which Mexico won a knockout match for the first time in 40 years before losing 3-2 to England in the last 16.
The appointment continues the federation's 'Project 2030' announced in August 2024 when Marquez was named Aguirre's assistant as part of a planned succession.
Aguirre's third spell in charge ended with 22 wins, nine draws and six losses across 37 matches, including a perfect group stage — three wins from three — at the World Cup.
Jordan Henderson has undergone successful surgery in Kansas City after he suffered a wrist injury in the aftermath of England's win against Mexico.
The 36-year-old sustained a nasty injury when he fell and landed awkwardly while climbing back over the advertising hoardings during the celebrations of the 3-2 success at the Azteca.
He was carried away on a stretcher and taken to hospital in the Mexican capital while the rest of the team returned to their Kansas City base.
The Brentford midfielder went under the knife once he returned to the Midwest as he begins the road to recovery.
"Surgery done! Let’s get ready for the big one Saturday," he posted on Instagram.
"Thank you to all the staff that looked after me at Kansas City orthopaedic institute. Especially the three surgeons who carried out the operation."
Henderson’s tournament appears to be over from a playing side, but the veteran, who is at his fourth World Cup and made a substitute appearance in the 2-0 win over Panama, is expected to stay in camp for the remainder of England’s journey.
Thomas Tuchel’s men returned to training on Wednesday as they step up preparations for Saturday’s quarter-final with Norway in Miami.
Ahead of that game, Martin Odegaard says "underdogs" Norway are ready to show their teeth.
All eyes will be on the Hard Rock Stadium as the Scandinavians look to repeat their stunning 2-1 victory against Brazil when they take on Thomas Tuchel's men in Miami.
Arsenal skipper Odegaard said: "Obviously we know the quality they have. I know them really well.
"Outstanding players, world-class players, playing for probably one of the best national teams in the world at the moment, so it's going to be a big test for us.
"But I think Brazil was the same. We were the underdogs and, as you saw, anything can happen in football, so, yeah, we’re going to give it a good try and see what we can do and looking forward to it.
"It’s true that a lot of us play in England, so we know them quite well. Obviously, we’ve been playing against a lot of these players in the league, so we know them but it’s about the whole team.
"We have to be prepared, we have to analyse the opponent like we always do and we have to have the belief in ourselves.
"I think we’ve showed the whole world that we’re a good team and, as I said, in football anything is possible and even though we’re the underdogs again let’s see what happens.
"Let’s prepare well and let’s keep enjoying our football and this moment together, so let’s see."
Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic has stepped down following the nation's World Cup exit, the Croatian Football Federation has announced.
The 59-year-old, who was appointed head coach in October 2017, has ended his near nine-year reign in the wake of his side’s last 32 defeat by Portugal.
A statement on the federation’s official X account said: "A humble arrival. An unforgettable journey. A proud farewell. Following nearly nine years, head coach Zlatko Dalic has decided to close his incredibly successful chapter with Croatia.
"Head coach, thank you for everything – the victories, the achievements, the qualifying berths, the medals, the unity, the respect and your unwavering commitment to fight for Croatia both on and off the pitch.
"The results speak of your coaching virtues. The respect you’ve earned from your players, staff and opponents speaks volumes about the person you are."
France head coach Didier Deschamps has played down the appointment of Argentinian officials for their World Cup quarter-final against Morocco.
A repeat of the 2022 final, which France lost, remains a possibility and so when Facundo Tello was awarded this game, along with two Argentinian assistants, an Argentinian reserve assistant and an Argentinian fourth official, eyebrows were raised in some quarters.
But not by Deschamps, who said: "We have to deal with it. I trust the referees. Our opponent is Morocco, not the referee."
Reserve goalkeeper Robin Risser also backed the officials.
"There's been a certain bitterness (between France and Argentina) for a few years now since the last final, but that’s part of the game," he said.
"If these referees are there, it’s because they’re up to the level of the competition."
Refereeing performances have come under scrutiny at this summer’s tournament, with French official Francois Letexier’s display in the last-16 game between Argentina and Egypt criticised by the north African media.
Deschamps could not resist a jibe back at those critics, adding: "Let’s hope our (officials) are as good as Monsieur Letexier was."
Additional reporting: Reuters
Watch every game of the FIFA 2026 World Cup live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player with highlights on RTÉ Sport digital platforms and live blogs on RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ News app
Listen to the RTÉ Soccer podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
More stories on
- Sport
- FIFA World Cup 2026
- Croatia
- Roberto Martinez
- Soccer
- World Cup 2026
- Zlatko Dalic
Source: RTE
