Mexico appoint Javier Aguirre as manager for third time with Barcelona legend Rafael Marquez named his assistant after disastrous Copa America campaign

Following a disappointing group stage exit at the 2024 Copa America, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) parted ways with Jamie Lozano. They have now appointed Aguirre as the new manager with former Mexico captain Marquez serving as his assistant.

Aguirre, who previously led the Mexican national team to the round of 16 in the 2002 and 2010 World Cups, returns for a third stint with a wealth of experience and a strong track record. The 65-year-old is set to guide the team through the 2026 World Cup as co-hosts before handing over the reins to Marquez - who recently ended his stint as the manager of Barcelona B.

The FMF expressed confidence in their new appointments, with Duilio Davino, director of national teams, stating: "Javier has a strong track record, with experience and undisputed leadership in team management, while Rafa has great skill in talent development. [Aguirre] is without a doubt the Mexican coach with the longest and most recognized career abroad and he also has in-depth knowledge of the processes in national teams.

"Rafa is one of the most important players in Mexican history with a great national and international career who began his coaching career with an emblematic team. We have offered him to be the assistant until 2026 so that he can contribute his knowledge and then assume the leadership."

In a historic run, Aguirre led Mallorca to the 2023-24 Copa del Rey final, where they lost on penalties to Athletic Bilbao with the two teams locked at 1–1 after extra time.

The immediate task for Aguirre and Marquez will be to prepare the team for two upcoming friendly matches in the United States. Mexico will face New Zealand on September 7 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, followed by a match against Canada on September 10 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. However, his primary mission will be to lead Mexico through a successful World Cup campaign in 2026 on home soil.