Mexico have named Rafael Márquez as their new head coach, with the move set to follow the team’s exit from the World Cup. The federation confirmed the appointment on Wednesday, tasking the 47-year-old with taking over from Javier Aguirre.
Quick facts
- Rafael Márquez has been appointed Mexico head coach to succeed Javier Aguirre.
- Márquez previously served as Aguirre’s assistant throughout Mexico’s World Cup campaign.
- Mexico beat a knockout opponent for the first time in 40 years before falling to England 3-2 in the last 16.
- The decision follows Mexico’s “Project 2030,” launched in August 2024.
- Aguirre’s third stint produced 22 wins, nine draws and six defeats in 37 matches.
- Under Aguirre, Mexico won the 2024-2025 CONCACAF Nations League and the 2025 Gold Cup.
- As a player, Márquez captained Mexico at five World Cups and won 148 caps.
- Márquez won the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup and CONCACAF Gold Cups in 2003 and 2011.
Márquez stepped up from his role as Aguirre’s assistant during Mexico’s World Cup run. The campaign included a historic knockout victory—the first time Mexico had advanced past the group stage in four decades—before the team was edged out by England 3-2 in the last 16.
The appointment also continues the federation’s “Project 2030,” which was introduced in August 2024. At that time, Márquez was brought in as part of a planned succession after he was named to Aguirre’s coaching staff.
Aguirre’s third period in charge concluded with a record of 22 wins, nine draws and six losses from 37 matches. Mexico also delivered a flawless group stage at the World Cup, winning all three games to finish the group with maximum points.
Beyond the World Cup, Mexico’s results under Aguirre were equally productive. The team lifted the 2024-2025 CONCACAF Nations League and went on to win the 2025 Gold Cup during his tenure.
From player to coach
As a player, Márquez captained Mexico at five World Cups and amassed 148 international appearances. He also won major trophies, including the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup, plus CONCACAF Gold Cup titles in 2003 and 2011.
His coaching path began with Spanish clubs RSD Alcala and Barcelona Atletic. He later joined Aguirre’s staff for Mexico’s World Cup qualifying campaign, before taking on the head-coach role following the tournament’s conclusion.
