Mexico names Rafael Marquez head coach after World Cup exit

The Mexican Football Federation has appointed former national team captain Rafael "Rafa" Marquez as the new head coach of the Mexico men's national team, succeeding Javier Aguirre following the team's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The federation announced the move on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, positioning the 47-year-old to lead the program through the 2030 World Cup cycle.

Marquez assumes the role after Mexico's 3-2 loss to England in the round of 16 on Sunday, July 5, a result that prompted Aguirre to resign from his third stint as manager. The federation described the appointment as part of a planned and orderly transition designed to ensure continuity, having originally named Marquez as Aguirre's assistant coach in July 2024 with the understanding he would eventually take over.

In his emotional post-match remarks, Aguirre endorsed his assistant, stating Marquez is more than qualified and expressed hope that his successor would build on the foundation laid during the recent World Cup cycle. Aguirre's own contract was set to expire at the end of July, with the team's exit accelerating the handover by approximately four weeks.

Aguirre concluded his latest tenure having...