Mexico manager Javier Aguirre stepping down, assistant Rafa Marquez stepping up

Javier Aguirre’s run as manager of Mexico’s World Cup team ended with the 3-2 loss to England on Sunday night, he confirmed after the round of 16 match in Mexico City.

Aguirre, 67, said he was resigning after his third stint as national team coach. He had guided El Tri to the round of 16 in 2002 and 2010, and was hired in July 2024 to bring success as Mexico serves as one of three host countries in 2026 with the United States and Canada.

The path for succession already was in place for Aguirre’s assistant coach, Mexico legend Rafa Marquez, Mexican soccer officials had confirmed earlier this year. Aguirre’s contract runs through the end of this month, according to Transfermarkt.com.

Aguirre, a native of Mexico City, played midfielder for the national team at the 1986 home World Cup — when Mexico last reached the quarterfinals — before continuing in the sport as an accomplished coach.

Mexico impressed at this World Cup by winning Group A with a 3-0-0 record (9 points) and a six-goal differential. They posted three shutouts in the group stage, beating South Africa (2-0), South Korea (1-0) and the Czech Republic (3-0) before blanking Ecuador 2-0 in the round of 32 on Tuesday.

With Mexico eliminated on Sunday, the focus will turn to the 2030 World Cup and the vision of Marquez, 47, who scored 17 goals in 147 games for his national team. He was captain of five World Cup teams (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018).

The former center back and midfielder went from star player to a front office position in Mexico before turning to coaching in Spain. He was coaching Barcelona Athletic’s B team when he was offered a spot on Aguirre’s staff on the national team.

–Field Level Media