Rafael Márquez appointed Mexico head coach until 2030 after Javier Aguirre World Cup exit

Rafael Márquez, one of El Tri’s all-time greatest defenders, has been officially appointed Mexico’s head coach to lead a youth-focused national team project in the build-up to the 2030 World Cup. The post Rafael Márquez replaces Aguirre as new head coach of Mexico’s national soccer team appeared first on Mexico News Daily

Rafael "Rafa" Marquez had served since July 2024 as assistant coach under manager Javier Aguirre.

Mexico City: Rafael Marquez has been appointed Mexico head coach on a deal running until 2030, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) said on Thursday. The 47-year-old replaces Javier Aguirre, who stepped down after Mexico's 3-2 defeat by England in the World Cup round of 16 on Sunday.The next chapter in our long-term project begins now.As part of the continuity of the process that started two years ago, Rafael Márquez takes the next step in the planned transition by becoming Head Coach of the Mexican National Team.#SomosMéxico https://t.co/mfWuWbyF57— Mexican National Team (@miseleccionmxEN) July 8, 2026 "The appointment of Rafael Marquez is part of an orderly transition envisaged within the FMF's institutional vision to continue the work carried out during the last World Cup cycle, strengthen the sporting development of the Mexico national team and prepare for its upcoming international commitments," read an FMF statement.Marquez, a former defender who won 148 caps for Mexico, had been a member of Aguirre's coaching staff since July 2024.La FMF designa a Rafael Márquez como nuevo Director Técnico de la Selección Nacional de México. pic.twitter.com/saIlfrQzHp— Selección Nacional (@miseleccionmx) July 8, 2026 Following Mexico's 3-2 defeat at the hands of England in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) and Javier Aguirre agreed to call time on his reign as national team manager. The FMF said Aguirre had left a "lasting legacy" after overseeing 22 wins, nine draws and six defeats in his third spell in charge of the national team.His legacy will be part of our history forever.#SomosMéxico ❤️ https://t.co/9380d1pY2S— Mexican National Team (@miseleccionmxEN) July 8, 2026 “Aguirre’s legacy will remain forever in our history,” the Mexican federation stated on social media. During his third spell in charge of the team, which lasted nearly two years, Aguirre became the manager with the most victories in the history of the national side. He managed 50 matches, with a record of 33 wins, nine draws and eight defeats and secured the CONCACAF Gold Cup and Nations League in 2025.England vs Mexico: Jude Bellingham Brace, Harry Kane Penalty Help 10-Man Three Lions Beat Mexico 3-2 To Reach FIFA World Cup Quarterfinals | Video After the round of 16 defeat to England, Aguirre stated he would be leaving the job and informally announced the appointment of Marquez, who served as his assistant manager during this spell. “I gave Rafa Marquez a big hug… he has four very good years ahead of him; there is a solid foundation,” Aguirre said.Marquez's announcement was accompanied by the phrase: “The continuation of a legacy, with a long-term and transitional project.”(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

Former Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez will oversee the continuation of the project launched by coach Javier Aguirre.

The Mexican Football Federation has officially appointed Rafael Márquez as the successor to Javier Aguirre, just days after their FIFA World Cup exit in the Round of 16 after a 3-2 defeat to England

The former Barcelona centre-back served as part of Aguirre's coaching staff at the World Cup, where Mexico reached the round of 16.