Javier Aguirre has been named Mexico's head coach for the third time and will have former captain Rafael Marquez as his assistant, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) announced on Monday.
Aguirre will initially take over as head coach and lead the team for two years through to the 2026 World Cup, before handing Marquez over ahead of preparations for 2030. Marquez recently terminated his contract as Barcelona B coach to join Mexico.
“Javier has a solid track record, with experience and undisputed leadership in team management, while Rafa has great skill in developing talent,” the FMF said in a statement.
Aguirre, 65, who takes over after Jaime Lozano left the team, led Mexico to the round of 16 at the 2002 and 2010 World Cups. Mexico was eliminated in that round at every World Cup between 1994 and 2018, then was eliminated in the group stage in 2022.
“[Aguirre] “Rafael is without a doubt the Mexican coach with the longest and most recognized career abroad and he also knows the processes in national teams in depth,” said Duilio Davino, director of national teams. “Rafael is one of the most important players in the history of Mexico with a great national and international career who began his career as a coach with an emblematic team.
“We have offered him the opportunity to be our assistant until 2026 so that he can contribute his knowledge and then take on the leadership role.”
Following a dismal group stage exit at this summer's Copa America, Lozano parted ways with the national team earlier this month. After the Copa, Lozano, who had a record of 10 wins, 4 draws and 7 losses with Mexico, turned down a relegation that would have allowed him to stay on as an assistant.
“Jaime Lozano and his coaching staff were offered a contract until 2030, in which they will accompany a more experienced coach from 2024 to 2026 on their way to our World Cup, and then Jaime himself would take over the reins as coach in the 2026-2030 process,” the FMF said at the beginning of this month.
The first order of business for Aguirre and Marquez will be to prepare for Mexico's upcoming friendlies in the United States against New Zealand on Sept. 7 (at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California) and Canada on Sept. 10 (at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas).
The Mexico City-born coach recently wrapped up a two-year stint as coach of Mallorca in Spain, where he made headlines with a Cinderella run to the 2023-24 Copa del Rey final. He also coached the national teams of Japan and Egypt.
Marquez, widely regarded as one of Mexico's greatest ever players, participated in five World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018). After retiring, the The Tri The legend began coaching Alcalá in the lower categories in 2020 and Barcelona B in 2022.
As a player, Márquez won four La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues with Barcelona.
