Rafael Marquez begins new era as Mexico head coach

Marquez replaces Javier Aguirre, who stepped down after Mexico's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign ended with a last-16 defeat to England. 

Aguirre had already revealed that the former captain would succeed him, and the federation has now made the appointment official.

The 46-year-old is one of the greatest players in Mexico's history. The former central defender won 147 international caps and captained his country at every FIFA World Cup from 2002 to 2018. At club level, he enjoyed a trophy-filled spell at Barcelona between 2003 and 2009 before moving into coaching.

Marquez began his coaching career with Barcelona's youth teams before joining Mexico's senior national team as Aguirre's assistant in 2024. He now takes charge of the side for the first time as head coach.

Following his official appointment, Marquez called on Mexico's supporters to remain united as he begins the biggest challenge of his coaching career.

"I know what it means to represent this country," Marquez said. "I ask the fans to keep supporting us and to trust in this project. 

"We don't just want to manage what has already been built; we want to take Mexican football to a completely different level."

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