Mexico's fairytale journey at the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in yet another heartbreak after England defeated El Tri 3-2 in a nerve-wracking match at the Mexico City Stadium, formerly known as the Azteca.
Although one of the host nations bowed out in the Round of 16, a stage that has historically been Mexico's ceiling since it last reached the quarterfinals in 1986, coach Javier Aguirre remained hopeful about what lies ahead despite the narrow loss to England.
During his postmatch press conference, Aguirre said the experience of leading Mexico at another World Cup on home soil was something he will never forget.
"These five matches were unforgettable. I say goodbye to the national team, I say goodbye to the Azteca Stadium. It was my last match here, and I leave with immense pride. After so many, so many years, I leave with great pride and deep emotion because I lived much of my football life here," Aguirre said. He also confirmed that Rafael Márquez, who served as his assistant during his third stint in charge of El Tri, will take over as Mexico's head coach following the World Cup.
"I gave Rafa a big hug. I hope he continues this project and that the next four years are very successful," Aguirre said.
When asked what the future holds for the Mexican national team, Aguirre voiced his support for Márquez, whom he coached at two World Cups, in 2002 and 2010, and who has been part of his coaching staff since the start of Aguirre's third stint with Mexico in 2024.
"We're two people who have dedicated our lives to Mexican soccer, and we've spent 15 or 20 years outside the country. I coached him as a player, and now he's my colleague. He's more than qualified," Aguirre said of Márquez. "El Vasco" added that he believes Mexico has a bright future despite the heartbreaking defeat.
"From this team that has now completed its World Cup journey, there are many players to build around. We have more players competing in Europe at a high level. Aside from two or three who, because of their age, likely won't make the next World Cup, hopefully they can. I have nothing but words of gratitude for Rafa. I'll always make myself available to him and stay close if he ever needs anything because he's a valuable person, a proud Mexican and an excellent coach. He'll prove it, you'll see. I hope he does even better than we did with me in charge," Aguirre said, visibly emotional after Mexico's 3-2 loss to England.
Márquez, who played 147 games with El Tri, began his coaching career in 2022 after a highly successful playing career in which he won multiple UEFA Champions League and LaLiga titles with one of Barcelona's most successful teams.
His first coaching role came when he took charge of Barcelona Atlètic, the Catalan club's B team, in 2022. He stepped down after two successful seasons when the Mexican national team came knocking on his door.
Aguirre emphasized that it was time for him to step aside and allow Márquez and a new generation to take over.
"We're on the right track. We have a coach for the next four years, a talented generation of players and a strong budget. We have everything we need to take that next step we've been missing. It's time for us to step aside so the right people can take over: Rafa and his group," Aguirre said.
