Belgium’s Coach Resigns After World Cup Elimination

Roberto Martinez has resigned as Belgium’s head coach after the country’s early elimination from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Martinez was hired in 2016 and had a contract that was to expire after the 2022 World Cup.

Belgium was ranked second in the world entering the 2022 tournament, and also finished third in the 2018 World Cup.

However, they failed to advance out of the group stage after losing to Morocco and drawing with Croatia.

Martinez announced he was resigning at his post-game press conference following Belgium’s World Cup elimination on Thursday after their 0-0 draw with Croatia.

He said, “That was my last game. It was emotional, as you can imagine.

“The decision was taken just before the World Cup. I always work towards long-term projects and they need to be set in advance.

“Since 2018 I have had many opportunities to leave to take jobs at club levels. I always wanted to be loyal and finish the job. I don’t resign – it’s the end of my contract. That was always the plan.”