Field Level Media - Professional sports content solutions | FLM

The Mexican men’s national soccer team, looking for a new direction after a disappointing performance in Copa America, hired Javier Aguirre as head coach and Rafael Marquez as assistant coach on Monday.

The appointments include a built-in succession plan. Aguirre will be in charge through the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted jointly by Mexico, the United States and Canada. Marquez will then take over for the cycle leading to the 2030 World Cup.

Aguirre, a 65-year-old Mexico City native, is back for his third stint in charge of the national team. He guided Mexico out of the group stage at the 2002 and 2010 World Cups, only to see the squad lose its first knockout-stage match each time.

Following a playing career that saw him score 14 goals in 59 international appearances, Aguirre began a coaching career that has seen him hold numerous club and national-team posts. He guided Atletico Madrid between his two prior stints with the Mexican national team, and he also led the Japanese and Egyptian national teams.

Marquez, 45, was a star defender for Barcelona and the New York Red Bulls, among other teams. With his appearances for Mexico in 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018, he became the first player to serve as captain for a national team at five World Cups.

Most recently, he served as the head coach of Barcelona’s “B” team that competes in the third tier of Spanish soccer.

“Javier has a strong track record, with experience and undisputed leadership in team management, while Rafa has great skill in talent development,” the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) said in a statement.

Jaime Lozano left his post as Mexico’s head coach after El Tri failed to advance past the group stage at Copa America. Mexico beat Jamaica 1-0, then lost 1-0 to Venezuela and drew 0-0 against Ecuador.

Lozano posted 10 wins, seven losses and four ties on the job.

Mexico also failed to reach the knockout stage at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, drawing with Poland, losing to eventual champion Argentina and winning against Saudi Arabia.

–Field Level Media