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Qatar News Agency reported that Javier Aguirre resigned as head coach of the Mexico national football team after its 3-2 defeat to England in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The elimination came earlier than many supporters had anticipated for the co-hosts, prompting Aguirre to accept full responsibility for the outcome. The 67-year-old coach had returned to the position in July 2024 for a third stint in charge of the side he also led at the 2002 and 2010 tournaments.
Mexico had advanced from the group stage with a perfect record of three wins, the first time the team had swept its opening matches in World Cup history according to tournament statistics compiled by Fox Sports. That strong start had raised expectations for a deeper run on home soil, yet the side could not capitalise on England’s numerical disadvantage in the knockout match. Aguirre praised the players for their commitment throughout the campaign while insisting that any criticism should fall on him alone.
FIFA records show that Aguirre guided Mexico to the Round of 16 in both of his previous World Cup appearances as coach, losing to the United States on penalties in 2002 and to Argentina in 2010. His third spell produced 21 wins, eight draws and five losses across 34 matches, during which the team secured the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the 2024-2025 CONCACAF Nations League according to official federation tallies. The latest exit mirrored those earlier campaigns and underscored the persistent challenge of advancing beyond the first knockout round.
Rafael Marquez, who had served as assistant coach for the past two years under Aguirre, is expected to take over as head coach for the 2026-2030 cycle, the Mexican Football Federation indicated in statements following the resignation. The appointment maintains continuity within the national setup, as Marquez had been identified as the eventual successor when Aguirre was reappointed in 2024. The former captain brings extensive experience from his playing career, which included multiple World Cup appearances for Mexico.
The 2026 tournament represented a significant opportunity for Mexico as one of the hosts, with group-stage dominance offering a platform that ultimately went unfulfilled in the knockout phase. Aguirre’s decision to step down closes a chapter that began with his return two years ago aimed at building toward this competition. Federation officials have emphasised the transition to Marquez as the start of the next phase for the national team.
