Pedro Proença Ignores Roberto Martínez: "Falls Short of Expectations"

Pulse Sports Team 23:31 - 06 July 2026

Portuguese Football Federation president's message after 2026 World Cup elimination makes no mention of former national coach

Pedro Proença took to Facebook to address Portugal's elimination from the 2026 World Cup in the round of 16. In a critical message regarding the national team's performance, the FPF president made no mention of Roberto Martínez.

"When we set out to be World Cup contenders, we did so believing in the quality of our players and a talent almost unparalleled in our history. 'Vai Dar Portugal' (Portugal Will Deliver), more than a motto, was a feeling that united all Portuguese," the official began.

Pedro Proença then criticized the national team's showing in the tournament: "The result we achieved at the 2026 World Cup falls short of expectations. Such an early elimination is not consistent with the quality of our players, even against a formidable opponent."

Shifting focus to the national team's future, Proença reminded that "in September," the "qualification for the Nations League" begins.

Pedro Proença's full message

When we set out to be World Cup contenders, we did so believing in the quality of our players and a talent almost unparalleled in our history. 'Vai Dar Portugal' (Portugal Will Deliver), more than a motto, was a feeling that united all Portuguese. The result we achieved at the 2026 World Cup falls short of expectations. Such an early elimination is not consistent with the quality of our players, even against a formidable opponent. Football is cruel, but it teaches us a life truth. We are not the best when we win, nor the worst when we lose. There is a lesson in every game. There is no success without a process; the process exists and will lead us to success. On behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I thank all the fans who supported Portugal. In the United States, in Canada, in Portugal, all over the world. The green and red wave was impressive. In September, we will begin qualification for the Nations League. We will remain strong, we will continue to be Portugal. Thank you all.