Rafael Márquez is Mexico's new coach for the cycle towards the title
Rafael Márquez was made official as Mexico's new coach. The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) announced that the former El Tri captain succeeds Javier Aguirre and will be the strongman for the next cycle, with the aim of preparing the team for the 2030 World Cup.At 47 years old, Márquez takes the next step after having been part of Aguirre's technical team since August 2024, as assistant, a period that included Mexico's recent elimination in the round of 16 against England (3-2). According to the FMF, the appointment is part of a planned transition to guarantee continuity in the work carried out, consolidate the development of the selection and face the commitments that lie ahead with solidity.
Although El Tri has no immediate games scheduled, Márquez's first test as coach should come in the next international window, between the end of September and the beginning of October. The FMF also left a word of thanks to Javier Aguirre, highlighting the team's competitive evolution after the defeat in the group stage of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Remember that Mexico fell again in the round of 16 — a stage in which they were eliminated in eight of their last nine appearances in the final stages of the World Cup —, but showed signs of recovery on a collective level.
Aguirre, who ended his third world championship cycle in charge of Mexico, praised his successor's progression, recalling his long-standing connection with Márquez as a player and professional colleague. The FMF also highlighted the legacy of identity, work and competitiveness left by Aguirre, pointing to continuity as the central axis of the new technical project.
Rafael Márquez arrives at the position with one of the most impressive CVs in Mexican football. As a player, he played in five World Championships, won the 1999 Confederations Cup and won the Gold Cup in 2003 and 2011. In Europe, he shone at Monaco before becoming a key player at Barcelona, with whom he lifted two Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles. Domestically, he graduated from Atlas, the club where he started and ended his career, and was two-times Liga MX champion with León.
On the bench, the former defender began his career in Real Alcalá's youth ranks and made the jump to Barça Atlètic, Barcelona's B team, where he played 82 games over two seasons: 40 wins, 21 draws and 21 defeats. This path, combined with his in-depth knowledge of the Mexican reality and his status as a reference in the El Tri resort, were decisive factors in his promotion to the top position in the national team.
With qualification and friendly challenges on the horizon, the main objective is clear: to consolidate a competitive base, encourage the new generation and prepare a more consistent Mexico in the knockout stages, towards the 2030 World Cup. The 'Márquez era' now begins with the ambition of transforming continuity into results.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the new Mexico coach?
Rafael Márquez was officially named Mexico's new coach.
What is Rafael Márquez's objective as coach?
Rafael Márquez's goal is to prepare the team for the 2030 World Cup.
Who was Mexico's previous coach?
Javier Aguirre was Mexico's previous coach.
When will Márquez's first test as coach be?
Márquez's first test should come in the next international window, between the end of September and the beginning of October.
What was Mexico's recent elimination from international competitions?
Mexico were eliminated in the round of 16 against England.
Read more on our latest coverage and stay tuned for updates on what happens next.