Mexico Names Rafael Márquez As New National Team Coach
Mexico appoints legendary defender Rafael Márquez as national team coach through the 2030 World Cup, replacing Javier Aguirre after the co-hosted tournament ended with a round-of-16 loss to England.
Mexico's football federation has appointed legendary defender Rafael Márquez as the new head coach under contract through the 2030 World Cup, replacing Javier Aguirre, who departed after the 2026 tournament concluded. At this World Cup, Mexico—co-hosting the tournament—reached the round of 16 before losing to England 3-2, marking the end of Aguirre's tenure. The 67-year-old coach's contract ended with the tournament. Márquez, 47, earned 147 caps for Mexico's national team and served as Aguirre's assistant during this World Cup. He previously coached Barcelona's reserve team from 2022-24. The appointment of Márquez as the new head coach aligns with Mexico's "Project 2030" strategy, which the Mexican football federation announced in 2024, positioning the former star player as Aguirre's designated heir.
