The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) on Monday appointed former Belgium Coach Roberto Martinez as the new Portugal national football team coach until the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Martinez left his role as Belgium manager after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where his side suffered a disappointing group-stage exit, finishing third in Group F behind Morocco and Croatia.

He coached Belgium for more than six years, starting in August 2016. During his reign, the “Red Devils” held the top position in the FIFA world rankings for more than three years.

49-year-old Martinez replaces Fernando Santos, who resigned from his position after Portugal suffered a shocking defeat against Morocco in the World Cup quarter-finals.

68-year-old Santos became Portugal coach in 2014 and led the team in 109 matches. During his stint, Portugal won the European Championship in 2016 and UEFA’s inaugural Nations League in 2018-19.

The president of the FPF, Fernando Gomes, stated that Martinez was his first and only option to lead the national team because he had “the desired profile” and the ability to lead Portugal “in the decisions of major competitions.”

“He would have to be ambitious, knowledgeable about international football, used to training players at the highest level, and with experience in major leagues and national teams. The place of birth of the new coach was never relevant,” said Gomes.

Martinez stepped down as Belgium coach following their World Cup group stage exit, saying he had made the decision to end his six-year tenure some time ago and would have left even if they had been crowned champions.

During his long spell as coach of the side, Martinez took Belgium to number one in the world rankings and third place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

“I appreciate the enthusiasm and ambition with which he (Martinez) received the invitation,” Gomes told a news conference as Martinez stood next to him.

“This is an important moment for the national team,” he said.

The 49-year-old Spaniard is the third foreigner to coach the Portuguese national team, having already worked at English clubs Swansea, Wigan, and Everton.

“I am very happy to represent one of the national teams with the best talent in the world,” said Martinez.

“I am very excited to be here. From the first time I spoke with the president of the federation I knew this was a sporting project that would excite me.

“I understand there are great expectations and big objectives, but there is a great team of people at the federation and I have great excitement that together we can achieve those objectives.”

He added that he would make decisions “on the pitch and not in an office.”

Santos was widely criticised for his tactics and for leaving forward Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench for two consecutive World Cup games.

When questioned about the future of Ronaldo in the national team, Martinez said that he would contact the 37-year-old, who last month joined Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr on a 2-1/2 year deal.

“I want to contact all 26 players who were at the last World Cup … Cristiano is a player on that list,” he said, adding he would “sit down and talk” with the forward, who is his country’s all-time record scorer with 118 goals.

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