The Mexican Football Federation has confirmed that Rafael Marquez will replace Javier Aguirre as manager of Mexico’s national team following this summer’s FIFA World Cup. The announcement was made by sporting director Duilio Davino in an interview with Fox Sports Mexico on Monday, detailing the succession plan that was put in place when both coaches joined the national team setup in July 2024.
Marquez, an iconic figure in Mexican football and a former FC Barcelona and national team captain, has been serving as Aguirre’s assistant coach since last year. “His contract is signed and his staff is nearly 80% set,” Davino stated. “Andres (Guardado) is an option to join Rafa’s staff. Off the pitch, Marquez is a big personality. On the pitch today, as both an assistant and a coach, Rafa is the way he was as a player. He transforms inside a dressing room.”
Mexico is set to play a pivotal role as a co-host of this summer’s World Cup, with 13 matches—including all of Mexico’s group-stage games and three knockout fixtures—taking place on home soil. The national team will open the tournament on June 11 against South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
While Marquez’s coaching résumé is still developing—having previously managed Alcala’s Under-15 squad and Barcelona B before his current national team role—his playing career is among the most distinguished in Mexican history. Marquez captained Mexico across five consecutive World Cups (2002–2018), amassing 147 caps and 17 goals. At club level, he helped Barcelona secure 10 major trophies, including two UEFA Champions League titles and four La Liga crowns during his tenure from 2003 to 2010.
Javier Aguirre’s third spell as national team manager will conclude after the tournament. Aguirre, a respected figure in Mexican football, previously led the national side from 2001–2002 and 2009–2010.
With Group A matches on the horizon and a home World Cup to inspire the next generation, Rafael Marquez’s appointment signals a new chapter for El Tri, blending world-class experience and national pride as Mexico looks to make a strong impression on the global stage.
