Javier Aguirre has been officially unveiled as the new head coach of the Mexican national team, marking his third stint in charge of El Tri. The announcement, made on August 1, 2024, also revealed that former Mexican captain and Barcelona legend Rafael Márquez will serve as Aguirre’s assistant.This appointment is part of an ambitious long-term project by the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) that extends beyond the 2026 World Cup, which Mexico will co-host with the United States and Canada. Aguirre, known for his experience in ‘rescuing’ teams, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, ‘Today more than ever, I see with joy that there is a project, not just to save three games of elimination, but a project with a solid base, a project until 2030, it excites me a lot’.Aguirre’s previous tenures with the national team saw Mexico reach the quarterfinals in the 2002 World Cup and qualify for the 2010 tournament. His overall record with the team stands at an impressive 37 wins out of 45 matches.Rafael Márquez, who will assist Aguirre, is being groomed to take over as head coach after the 2026 World Cup. Márquez expressed his commitment to the project and his aspirations, saying, ‘I have two great illusions: to be the coach of Mexico and to return to Barcelona as a coach someday’.The new coaching duo will make their debut in friendly matches against New Zealand on September 7 and Canada on September 10. Aguirre emphasized his belief in the quality of Mexican players regardless of age, stating, ‘I believe in the Mexican footballer beyond his age. I believe in the quality and in the processes. I don’t look at the age, the one who plays best is the one who plays’.While the project has been met with enthusiasm, FMF President Ivar Sisniega acknowledged that no project is ‘bulletproof,’ but expressed confidence in the path laid out for the national team’s future.
Key points
- Javier Aguirre has been appointed as the new head coach of the Mexican national team for his third stint.
- Rafael Márquez will serve as assistant coach and is set to take over as head coach after the 2026 World Cup.
- The appointment is part of a long-term project by the Mexican Football Federation extending to 2030.
- Mexico will co-host the 2026 World Cup with the United States and Canada.
