Rafael Márquez replaces Javier Aguirre as head coach of Mexico national team
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 10, 2026, 7:18 PM
Last updated Sep 10, 2026
Former Barcelona star Rafael Márquez was introduced on Thursday as the new head coach of the Mexican national team. Márquez, 47, previously served as an assistant under Javier Aguirre, a tenure that concluded following the team's round of 16 exit against England at the World Cup this summer. The appointment initiates a cycle aimed at qualifying for the 2030 World Cup. Joining the technical staff is former international teammate Andrés Guardado, alongside assistants Juan Manuel Lillo and Vidal Paloma. Xabier Mancisidor serves as the goalkeeper coach, with Pol Lorente appointed as the physical trainer. The squad begins a series of four friendlies in the United States starting September 26 against Colombia at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. Subsequent matches include games against Peru, the United States, and Chile.
- •Rafael Márquez succeeded Javier Aguirre as the head coach of the Mexican national team on Thursday.
- •Andrés Guardado joined the coaching staff as an assistant.
- •Mexico plays its first friendly under the new staff against Colombia on September 26.
- •The upcoming schedule includes matches against Peru, the United States, and Chile.
- •Márquez previously served as an assistant coach starting in August 2024.
- 8:04 PMESPN Soccer — Marquez ready to take Mexico to 'another level' as head coach
- 6:14 PMYahoo Sports — Rafael Márquez goes from El Tri captain to Mexico coach and eyes 2030 World Cup
"Former Barcelona star Rafael Márquez was introduced on Thursday as the new head coach of the Mexican national team, aiming to qualify the squad for the 2030 World Cup. The 47-year-old Márquez had served under predecessor Javier Aguirre as assistant coach from August 2024 until Mexico’s loss to England in the round of 16 of this summer's World Cup.
"Rafael Marquez wants to take Mexico to another level after assuming the role of manager, using the foundation established during the 2026 World Cup to keep improving -- and grow the team's identity.
Sources
External links- ESPN SoccerSep 10, 2026, 8:04 PMMarquez ready to take Mexico to 'another level' as head coach
Rafael Marquez wants to take Mexico to another level after assuming the role of manager, using the foundation established during the 2026 World Cup to keep improving -- and grow the team's identity.
- Yahoo SportsSep 10, 2026, 6:14 PMRafael Márquez goes from El Tri captain to Mexico coach and eyes 2030 World Cup
Former Barcelona star Rafael Márquez was introduced on Thursday as the new head coach of the Mexican national team, aiming to qualify the squad for the 2030 World Cup. The 47-year-old Márquez had served under predecessor Javier Aguirre as assistant coach from August 2024 until Mexico’s loss to England in the round of 16 of this summer's World Cup.
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