Mexico’s World Cup ended in pain at the Azteca.
Hours later, a new era was already beginning.
Javier Aguirre has stepped down as national team coach after Mexico’s dramatic 3-2 defeat to England in the last 16, bringing an end to his third spell in charge of El Tri.
Rafael Márquez, the former Barcelona defender and Mexico captain, will now take over the role after working as Aguirre’s assistant during the tournament.
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England end Mexico’s home dream
Mexico had hoped this World Cup would finally deliver the breakthrough their supporters have waited decades to see.
Instead, the co-hosts were knocked out on home soil after a chaotic match against England at the Estadio Azteca.
According to The Guardian, Jude Bellingham scored twice for England before Harry Kane converted a second-half penalty to secure a 3-2 win.
Mexico responded through Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez, while England finished the match with 10 men after Jarell Quansah was sent off for a challenge on Jesús Gallardo.
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The pressure was heavy in the closing stages. Mexico pushed forward, sent crosses into the box and tried to force extra time, but England held on.
The result sent Thomas Tuchel’s side into a quarter-final against Norway, while Mexico were left to deal with another painful World Cup ending.
Aguirre leaves with pride
Aguirre’s departure had already been planned before the tournament, but the final whistle still brought an emotional farewell.
The 67-year-old had guided Mexico through a strong home campaign, but the familiar barrier remained. El Tri are still waiting for their first World Cup quarter-final appearance since 1986.
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According to SoccerNews, Aguirre said: “It hurts a lot, but the 26 players made me very happy, they must leave with their heads held high.”
He accepted responsibility for the defeat rather than placing it on the players.
“The criticism should go to the coach. They left their skin on the field, if we have to point fingers, it is the coach. Today it could not be, today it was me who lost the game,” he said.
It was a blunt ending from a coach who has long been one of Mexican football’s emergency figures, returning repeatedly when the national team needed direction.
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Márquez takes over
Márquez now inherits the job.
The former defender captained Mexico at five World Cups and remains one of the most respected figures in the country’s football history. He also played for Barcelona between 2003 and 2010, winning major honours in Spain and Europe.
According to beIN Sports, the Mexican Football Federation had already confirmed that Márquez would become head coach after the 2026 World Cup, with the succession plan in place before the tournament began.
That means the move was not a reaction to the England defeat.
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It was the next step in a project designed to carry Mexico towards the 2030 World Cup.
Márquez has spent the tournament close to Aguirre, working inside the coaching staff and preparing for the transition. His first major task will be to turn Mexico’s promising performances into something more lasting.
Aguirre gives his blessing
Aguirre made clear that he believes Márquez is ready.
According to El País, Aguirre said: “He is a valuable guy, a great coach, you will see. I hope he does better.”
He also said Mexico have a solid foundation for the next cycle.
“We are doing well, we have a coach for four years, a good generation, we have a big budget. We have all the elements to take that little step we are still missing,” Aguirre said.
That “little step” remains the central frustration.
Mexico had energy, support and belief at this World Cup. They also had a team capable of pushing England hard. But once again, the quarter-finals proved just out of reach.
A new cycle begins
For Mexico, this is both an ending and a beginning.
Aguirre leaves with pride, but also with the pain of knowing that his final game ended in front of a devastated home crowd. Márquez now takes over with enormous expectations and a long runway before 2030.
The task is clear.
Mexico must build on the identity, intensity and defensive structure they showed under Aguirre, while finding the extra quality needed to beat elite opposition in knockout football.
Márquez knows what the shirt means. He also knows the weight that comes with it.
Now, after years as a symbol on the pitch, he becomes the man asked to lead Mexico from the bench.
