Marquez confirmed as Mexico coach after Aguirre departure

Mexico’s head coach Javier Aguirre (R) and assistant coach Rafael Marquez (L) talk ahead of the 2026 World Cup Group A football match against the Czech Republic at the Mexico City Stadium on Jun. 24, 2026. (AFP)

• Marquez, 47, was Aguirre’s assistant throughout the World Cup campaign
• The appointment continues the federation’s “Project 2030,” announced in August 2024

MEXICO CITY: ‌Mexico have appointed Rafael Marquez as head coach to succeed Javier Aguirre following the co-hosts’ elimination from the World Cup, the football federation said on Wednesday.
Marquez, 47, was Aguirre’s assistant throughout the World Cup 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.
Under Aguirre, Mexico also won the 2024-2025 CONCACAF Nations ‌League and the 2025 Gold Cup.
As a player, Marquez ⁠captained ⁠Mexico at five World Cups and earned 148 caps, also winning the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup and CONCACAF Gold Cup titles in 2003 and 2011.
Marquez began his coaching career with Spanish sides RSD Alcala and Barcelona Atletic before joining Aguirre’s staff for the World Cup qualifying campaign.