Mexico have appointed Rafael Marquez as the new head coach of the men’s national team, replacing Javier Aguirre after the side’s exit in the World Cup round of 16.Marquez, who captained the team as a player and was capped 148 times, worked as part of Aguirre’s coaching staff at the tournament and now steps up into his first senior head coaching role.Mexico, who have co-hosted the World Cup alongside the United States and Canada, won all three of their group stage matches against South Africa, South Korea and the Czech Republic before defeating Ecuador 2-0 in the round of 32.They hosted England in the round of 16 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City but were defeated 3-2 after two goals from Jude Bellingham and a Harry Kane penalty.Mexico announced in a statement that Marquez’s appointment forms part of an “orderly transition” as the nation looks ahead to the 2030 World Cup.
La continuidad de una historia, con un proyecto a largo plazo y de transición.
Hoy inicia una nueva etapa para nuestra Selección junto a ti, Rafa.
¡Vamos juntos! 🙌#SomosMéxico 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/E7boV2UjX5
— Selección Nacional (@miseleccionmx) July 8, 2026Aguirre had been Mexico coach for the last two years, his third stint in charge of the team after spells between 2001 and 2002, and 2009 and 2010. He led Mexico to the knockout stage of the World Cup in each of his three appearances with the side.
