Javier Aguirre backed Rafa Marquez to lead Mexico into the future after the co-hosts’ World Cup run ended with a 3-2 defeat to England on Sunday, bringing the curtain down on Aguirre’s third spell in charge.
Aguirre, who had already made it clear he would step down from his role after the tournament, said former Mexico captain Marquez was ready to continue the work with a side that restored confidence during the country’s toughest World Cup run in four decades.
England booked their place in the quarter-finals after a late victory in Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, where the home side fell short despite a spirited second leg.
«I would have liked to say goodbye to my people with a victory. That hurts,» Aguirre told reporters. “We tried.”
Jude Bellingham’s quick double put England under control before Julian Quinones pulled one back for Mexico. Harry Kane added a second-half penalty after England were reduced to ten men, and Raul Jimenez’s late penalty was not enough to prevent Mexico’s exit.
“The players have to leave with their heads held high,” Aguirre said. «Today that couldn’t be the case. We failed to capitalize, but I want to thank them all.»
The match, which was postponed an hour due to bad weather around the Azteca, was played in front of a passionate home crowd that has often described Aguirre as Mexico’s “twelfth player”.
The fans cheered Mexico in the closing stages, chanting “yes we can” as the co-hosts pushed for an equalizer, but England held on to advance to the quarter-final against Norway in Miami on Saturday.
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Aguirre said that despite the pain of the elimination, he left with pride, pointing to the team’s unity and the renewed bond with the supporters.
“I leave with a lot of pride,” he said. «These players have made me very happy. We have regained the sense of belonging and the identity of this team.»
Marquez, who captained Mexico for five World Cups and teamed up with Aguirre during the tournament, is expected to continue the project following the veteran coach’s departure.
“I wish him the best,” Aguirre said. «He’s more than capable and he’ll do a better job than me.»
Published on July 6, 2026
