Javier Aguirre, charismatic and authoritative, unites Mexico at its home World Cup | OneFootball

Javier Aguirre has rallied Mexico behind El Tricolor as the hosts open their World Cup with three wins. According to L'Équipe, that start has triggered unprecedented excitement nationwide.

Authority was immediate. During the 2-0 opener against South Africa on 11 June, the 67-year-old sent assistant Rafael Marquez, 47, back to the bench when he stood to shout instructions, making clear he alone leads for now.

Known as El Vasco for his Basque roots, Aguirre mixes humility and humour with a hard edge. Before the second half against South Korea on 19 June, he joked to Kang-in Lee about his dyed hair, then later expressed pride.

His favourite refrain is that he did not like parts of a win, and his aggressive playing days, from forward to midfield then defence, shaped a coach who prizes results and mentality over style and pure technique, with dual nationality easing moves abroad, chiefly in Spain.

The federation recalled him in July 2024 for a third World Cup after 2002 and 2010. A 59-cap, 14-goal midfielder at the 1986 World Cup and assistant to Mejia Baron in 1994, he has matched Argentina and France and, like Spain, kept clean sheets.

The 3-0 win over Czechia on 25 June drew 30.4 million viewers, after 23.4 million for the South Africa opener and 25.5 million against South Korea, the most watched match on record. Ecuador await in the last 16, when Aguirre will have his say again.

Source: L'Équipe