Mexico boss Aguirre steps down after World Cup exit, backs Marquez as successor

Javier Aguirre’s third spell as Mexico coach ended on Sunday with a 3-2 defeat by England in the round of 16 at the World Cup, bringing the curtain down on a tenure that restored confidence in El Tri and produced the country’s deepest tournament in 40 years.

After Aguirre announced before the tournament that he would step down after the World Cup, he signed off assistant Rafa Marquez to take charge of the national team. “I would like to say goodbye to my people with a victory. It hurts,” Aguirre said after the game.

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“We tried. The players have to leave with their heads held high. It wasn’t possible today. We didn’t manage to take advantage of it, but I want to thank them all.”

The 67-year-old returned as Mexico coach for a third time in July 2024 with the aim of leading one of the tournament’s co-hosts to a memorable campaign. While falling short of a first quarter-final appearance since 1986, Mexico exceeded expectations to top Group A with four consecutive victories.

Mexico beat South Africa, South Korea and the Czech Republic without conceding a goal before beating Ecuador 2-0 in the round of 32 to reach the last 16.

Marquez, who joined Aguirre’s coaching staff after leaving Barcelona Athletic, is expected to succeed him. The former defender captained Mexico to five World Cups and made 147 appearances for the national team, making him one of the country’s most respected footballers.

England ended Mexico’s run after surviving a tense finish at the Estadio Azteca.

The match was delayed for an hour due to inclement weather before Jude Bellingham scored twice to put England in command. Julian Quinones pulled one back for Mexico while Harry Kane restored England’s two-goal cushion from the penalty spot after Jarell Quansah was sent off. Raul Jimenez converted a late penalty but Mexico could not find an equalizer despite sustained pressure in the closing stages.

England manager Thomas Tuchel praised his team for coping with a hostile atmosphere after playing more than half the match with 10 men.

“If a team has heart and belief, it’s this team,” Tuchel said. “They did it out of sheer will. It was an iconic game in an iconic stadium. I’m speechless. I’m very, very proud.”

Bellingham, who scored twice, credited Mexico with pushing England until the end.

“It’s the best night of my England career and it’s just unbelievable,” he said. “It was a messy game, but credit to Mexico. We never underestimated them for a minute and they were exactly as good as we thought they would be. But this team showed character tonight.”

Aguirre leaves after overseeing Mexico’s best World Cup campaign in four decades. Attention now shifts to Marquez, who is set to begin preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

06 Jul 2026 13:15 IST