Javier Aguirre has thrown his full support behind Rafa Marquez to guide Mexico into a new era after bringing the curtain down on his third spell as national team head coach following El Tri’s heartbreaking FIFA World Cup 2026 exit.
Mexico’s impressive tournament came to an end with a thrilling 3-2 defeat to England in the Round of 16, but Aguirre chose to leave with pride rather than regret, insisting the squad had restored belief among supporters and rebuilt the nation’s football identity.
Having previously confirmed he would step down after the World Cup, the experienced tactician said the time was right for Marquez to take over the project and continue the progress made throughout the tournament.
England survived a fierce late fightback from the co-hosts to book their place in the quarter-finals.
Jude Bellingham struck twice in quick succession before Julian Quinones reduced the deficit before half-time.
Harry Kane’s penalty restored England’s two-goal advantage after the visitors had been reduced to ten men, while Raul Jimenez converted a late spot-kick that ultimately proved only a consolation.
Speaking after his final match in charge, Aguirre admitted the defeat was painful but remained proud of everything his players had accomplished.
“I would have liked to say goodbye to my people with a victory. That hurts,” Aguirre told reporters. “We tried.”
The veteran coach also praised his players for their commitment throughout the tournament, insisting they should leave with their heads held high despite the disappointment of elimination.
“The players need to leave with their heads held high,” Aguirre said. “Today it could not be. We failed to capitalise, but I want to thank them all.”
The match itself was delayed by an hour because of adverse weather around the iconic Azteca Stadium, but the postponement did little to dampen the atmosphere inside the ground.
A passionate home crowd created an unforgettable occasion, roaring Mexico forward during the closing stages as chants of “yes we can” echoed around the stadium while El Tri searched desperately for an equaliser.
Despite the relentless pressure, England held firm to secure victory and set up a quarter-final clash with Norway.
Although Mexico fell short of extending their historic run, Aguirre believes the tournament has reconnected the national team with its supporters.
Throughout the competition, El Tri displayed resilience, attacking ambition and togetherness that reignited optimism among the Mexican football community.
Reflecting on his tenure, Aguirre highlighted those achievements as his greatest source of satisfaction.
“I leave with a lot of pride,” he said. “These players made me very happy. We recovered the sense of belonging and the identity of this team.”
Attention will now turn to Rafa Marquez, who is widely expected to succeed Aguirre after serving alongside him during the World Cup campaign.
The former Mexico captain is one of the country’s most respected football figures, having represented El Tri across five FIFA World Cups before beginning his coaching career.
Aguirre expressed complete confidence that Marquez possesses the qualities needed to build on the foundations established during this tournament.
“I wish him the best,” Aguirre said. “He is more than capable, and he will do better than me.”
Those comments underline Aguirre’s belief that Mexico’s future remains bright despite the disappointment of their World Cup exit.
While England continue their pursuit of global glory, Mexico depart the tournament with renewed confidence, a stronger bond with their supporters and a clear succession plan already in place.
For Aguirre, it may not have been the farewell victory he dreamed of, but it was the end of a chapter defined by resilience, unity and the restoration of belief in one of world football’s proudest national teams.
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