​The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) announced on Wednesday that Rafael “Rafa” Marquez will take over as head coach of the national team, with the 2030 World Cup in mind. Marquez, who is 47, had been working as an assistant to manager Javier Aguirre since July 2024. Aguirre revealed his resignation after Mexico’s 3-2 loss to England on Sunday night in the Round of 16 in Mexico City. The transition had already been set in motion for Marquez, a legendary figure for El Tri who netted 17 goals in 147 appearances for the national team and captained five World Cup squads (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018). In a FMF statement, the appointment was described as “part of an orderly transition designed to ensure continuity, strengthen development, and tackle upcoming commitments.”
Aguirre’s contract was set to expire at the end of the month, according to Transfermarkt. The 67-year-old, a native of Mexico City, had been in his third stint as manager after guiding the team to the Round of 16 in 2002 and 2010. As a player, Aguirre wore the captain’s armband for the national team and appeared as a midfielder for Mexico at the 1986 World Cup, hosted by Mexico, where the team last reached the quarterfinals before continuing his career as a seasoned coach.
The broader context surrounding the change comes amid high expectations as Mexico co-hosted the World Cup with the United States and Canada. Under Aguirre, Mexico topped Group A with a perfect 3-0-0 record (9 points), boasting a six-goal differential. The team achieved three group-stage shutouts, defeating South Africa 2-0, South Korea 1-0, and the Czech Republic 3-0, before defeating Ecuador 2-0 in the Round of 32 on June 30. In its statement, the FMF expressed “its deepest appreciation and gratitude to Javier Aguirre and his entire coaching staff for the commitment, leadership, and professionalism with which they led the Mexican national team during this period, leaving a lasting legacy of hard work, identity, and competitiveness that strengthens the foundations for the national team’s next phase.”
Marquez brings extensive experience from club and national team environments, though his coaching résumé does not mirror Aguirre’s. He previously coached youth teams in Spain and later enjoyed success with Barcelona’s B team, posting a record of 40-21-21 before joining Aguirre’s staff. While Marquez is renowned for his playing career as a center back and a midfielder, his on-field exploits for Barcelona included four La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies, highlighting his pedigree as a former star defender and leader on the field.
The FMF’s decision positions Marquez to guide Mexico through the upcoming cycle toward 2030, even as he transitions from his role as an assistant coach to the top post. As a player who wore the captain’s armband for multiple World Cup campaigns, he embodies the leadership and championship mentality that the federation seeks to instill in the squad. The strategic aim is to maintain continuity, advance development programs, and prepare for the anticipated demands of future international competition.
Looking ahead, the change at the helm comes at a moment when Mexico faces the challenge of maintaining momentum on the world stage while nurturing younger players who can carry the national team forward in the coming years. The FMF’s publicly stated objective is to ensure a smooth and orderly transition that preserves the team’s identity and competitiveness, while strengthening the foundations needed to pursue future triumphs on the international stage.