Javier Aguirre has stepped down as head coach of Mexico’s national football team following the country’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with former captain Rafa Márquez set to begin a new four-year cycle in charge of El Tri.
Aguirre’s departure came after Mexico’s 3-2 defeat to England in the Round of 16 at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday, July 5, 2026, ending his third spell as national team coach.
Speaking after the match, Aguirre said he was proud of his players despite the painful defeat.
“I would have liked to say goodbye to my people with a victory. That hurts. We tried,” he said, adding that Mexico had regained its sense of identity and connection with supporters during the tournament.
The 67-year-old also expressed confidence in Márquez, who served as his assistant throughout the World Cup and had already been designated to succeed him after the tournament under a succession plan announced by the Mexican Football Federation in 2024.
“I had him as a player and now as a colleague. He is more than qualified,” Aguirre said.
“He is a person of great value, a great coach. You’ll see.”
Márquez, 47, captained Mexico at five World Cups and enjoyed a decorated playing career with FC Barcelona, winning four La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies.
He later coached Barcelona Atlètic before joining Aguirre’s coaching staff ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The coaching transition was part of a long-term plan unveiled when Aguirre returned for a third stint in July 2024. Under the arrangement, Aguirre was tasked with leading the co-host nation through the home World Cup before handing over to Márquez for the 2026-2030 cycle.
Although Mexico fell short of a quarter-final place after losing to England, the team reached the knockout stage for the first time in four decades, defeating Ecuador before its elimination.
Aguirre said the tournament had laid a solid foundation for the future and expressed hope that Márquez would build on that progress.
Source: TalkSport
