 has officially appointed Rafael Marquez as the new head coach of the Mexico national football team.){kind=link}
The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) has officially appointed Rafael Marquez as the new head coach of the Mexico national football team on a contract running until 2030. The appointment comes shortly after Javier Aguirre stepped down following Mexico’s dramatic 3-2 defeat to England in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
In an official statement, the FMF described Marquez’s appointment as part of a long-term transition strategy designed to build on the progress achieved during the previous World Cup cycle. The federation said the decision reflects its vision of ensuring continuity, strengthening the national team’s sporting development and preparing for future international competitions.
Rafael Marquez, one of Mexico’s greatest footballers, brings extensive experience to the role. The former defender earned 148 international caps during his illustrious playing career and joined Javier Aguirre’s coaching staff as assistant manager in July 2024. His promotion follows months of working closely with the national team setup and is seen as a natural progression in the federation’s long-term plans.
Javier Aguirre’s third spell in charge of Mexico came to an end after the team’s World Cup exit against England. Despite the disappointing defeat, the experienced coach leaves behind an impressive legacy. During his tenure, Aguirre guided Mexico to CONCACAF Gold Cup and Nations League titles in 2025 while becoming the national team’s most successful manager in terms of victories. Across his third stint, he oversaw 50 matches, recording 33 wins, nine draws and eight defeats.
Following the World Cup elimination, Aguirre confirmed he would step aside and publicly endorsed Marquez as his successor. Expressing confidence in the former captain, Aguirre said Mexico had a strong foundation for the future and believed Marquez was well-positioned to lead the team through the next four years.
The FMF also paid tribute to Aguirre’s contributions, describing his achievements as a lasting part of Mexican football history. Meanwhile, Marquez’s appointment was unveiled under the theme of “the continuation of a legacy,” highlighting the federation’s commitment to stability and long-term development ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
With one of Mexico’s most iconic football figures now at the helm, supporters will hope Rafael Marquez can build on the team’s recent successes and guide El Tri to greater achievements on the international stage.