Following Mexico's 3-2 defeat at the hands of England in the Round of 16 of the , the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) and Javier Aguirre agreed to call time on his reign as national team manager. As was expected, former FC Barcelona and El Tri defender Rafal Marquez has been officially announced as Aguirre's replacement.
“Aguirre’s legacy will remain forever in our history,” the Mexican federation stated on social media. During his third spell in charge of the team, which lasted nearly two years, Aguirre became the manager with the most victories in the history of the national side. He managed 50 matches, with a record of 33 wins, nine draws and eight defeats and secured the CONCACAF Gold Cup and Nations League in 2025.
“The dream is over, but we are closer to the big teams," the outgoing Mexico manager said in his press conference following the loss to England. "Players win matches, managers lose them, so I am responsible for the defeat.”
During that press conference, Aguirre stated he would be leaving the job and informally announced the appointment of Marquez, who served as his assistant manager during this spell. “I gave Rafa Marquez a big hug… he has four very good years ahead of him; there is a solid foundation,” Aguirre said.
Marquez, a five-time World Cup participant for Mexico and one of the most successful footballers in the country’s history, shone in Europe, particularly with FC Barcelona, before beginning his coaching career in charge of Barcelona Atletic, the Blaugrana reserve team.
During his two seasons coaching in Catalonia, he managed more than 20 players who were subsequently considered for the first team, including current Spain internationals Pau Cubarsi, Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez.
Marquez's announcement was accompanied by the phrase: “The continuation of a legacy, with a long-term and transitional project.”
This idea began to take shape during this year’s World Cup, where Mexico gave a platform to a , including Gilberto Mora, , Brian Gutierrez, Armando Gonzalez and Obed Vargas, all of whom enjoyed their first World Cup experience.
They will be the foundation upon which Mexico will seek to build for the next cycle.
Sources: FIFA Official
