Rafael Marquez will replace Javier Aguirre as manager of the Mexican national team after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexican Football Federation sporting director Duilio Davino confirmed in an interview with Fox Sports Mexico on Monday.
Marquez, a legendary defender for both FC Barcelona and the Mexican national team, has been an assistant coach on Aguirre’s Mexican national team staff since July 2024, when the two were both hired with a succession plan.
“His contract has been signed and his staff is almost 80 percent permanent,” Davino said of Marquez. «Andres (Guardado) is an option (to join Rafa’s staff). Off the field, Marquez is a (big) personality. On the field today, Rafa, as an assistant and coach, is as he was as a player. He transforms in a dressing room.»
Mexico will host 13 matches – including all three of the country’s group stage matches and three knockout round matches – during this summer’s World Cup, which it is co-hosting with the US and Canada.
Marquez has minimal coaching experience. He previously coached Alcala’s under-15 team and Barcelona B’s squad in Spain before joining Mexico’s coaching staff.
However, he is one of the most talented Mexican players in international history. He captained the country at five World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018) and scored 17 goals in 147 caps for Mexico from 1997 to 2018.
He also helped Barcelona win ten trophies, including a pair of Champions League titles and four La Liga championships, during his time at the club from 2003-2010.
Aguirre’s third spell as Mexico manager comes to an end this summer. The Mexico City native previously managed the national team from 2001-02 and 2009-10.
Mexico, who are in Group A of the World Cup, will play the opening match of the event against South Africa in Mexico City on June 11.
Published on April 22, 2026
