Mexico Parts Ways with Manager Aguirre, Appoints Assistant Coach Marquez as Successor

The Mexican national football team, the host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup which suffered a round-of-16 exit, has parted ways with manager Javier Aguirre (67) and appointed assistant coach Rafael Marquez (47) as the new head coach.
The Mexican Football Federation announced today (July 9) that Marquez will succeed Aguirre to lead the national team through the 2030 World Cup.
Aguirre, who was at the helm of the Mexican national team for the third time in his career during the North and Central American World Cup, saw his campaign come to an end following a loss to England in the round of 16.
The Mexican Football Federation explained, "The appointment of manager Marquez is part of an 'orderly generational shift' to ensure continuity for the national team, strengthen its growth, and systematically prepare for upcoming international tournaments."
Aguirre also stated, "I am happy to see Marquez's growth. As we are both iconic figures in Mexican football, we have had many conversations," adding, "I know Marquez well as a player and a colleague, and he is fully qualified to lead the national team."
The new manager, 47-year-old Marquez, who played as a defender for the Spanish powerhouse FC Barcelona, has been assisting Aguirre since taking on the role of assistant coach in August 2024.
Marquez, who has now taken charge of the Mexican national team, is a legend of Mexican football who appeared in five consecutive World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018) during his playing career.
(Photo: Getty Images)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.