Rafa Marquez named Mexico head coach after World Cup exit | OneFootball

Rafael Márquez has been appointed Mexico head coach after Javier Aguirre’s departure. The Mexican federation announced the change on Wednesday.

Mexico were knocked out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a 3-2 defeat to England in the round of 16 on Sunday, ending Aguirre’s near two-year spell in charge.

In his third stint, Aguirre became the manager with the most official wins, overseeing 50 matches for 33 victories, nine draws and eight defeats. He also won the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup and Nations League.

After the loss he accepted responsibility, reflecting that players win games and coaches lose them. He foreshadowed his exit and a handover to his assistant, Márquez, adding that four very good years awaited him and that a solid base was in place.

Márquez, a five-time World Cup player and one of Mexico’s most decorated footballers, shone in Europe with Barcelona before moving into coaching at Barcelona Atlètic. Over two seasons there he worked with more than 20 players later considered for the first team, including Pau Cubarsí, Lamine Yamal and Fermín López.

The move forms part of a long-term transition shaped during this World Cup, when a new generation came to the fore. Gilberto Mora, Erik Lira, Mateo Chávez, Brian Gutiérrez, Armando González and Obed Vargas all made their World Cup debuts, a foundation for the next cycle.

Source: SuperDepor.com