Rafael Márquez Named Mexican National Team Head Coach For 2030 World Cup

Rafael Márquez is taking the reins of the Mexican nationalist team. The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) announced Wednesday that the erstwhile Barcelona prima volition win Javier Aguirre arsenic caput manager starring up to the 2030 World Cup.

Márquez, 47, served arsenic Aguirre’s adjunct from August 2024 until Mexico’s caller 3-2 circular of 16 nonaccomplishment to England. While a succession program had been successful spot since 2024, rumors had circulated that the FMF mightiness look elsewhere.

"The assignment of Rafael Márquez is portion of an orderly modulation designed to guarantee continuity … fortify development, and tackle upcoming commitments," the FMF stated.

While El Tri has nary contiguous fixtures scheduled, Márquez is expected to marque his managerial debut during the FIFA planetary model successful precocious September and aboriginal October.

"I americium blessed with the maturation shown by Rafa," Aguirre said of his successor. "I spoke with Rafa due to the fact that we are some salient figures successful Mexican shot — I knew him arsenic a subordinate and a teammate — and helium is much than qualified."

The FMF besides expressed its gratitude to Aguirre. While Mexico’s run ended successful the circular of 16 — the signifier wherever they person been eliminated successful 8 of the past 9 World Cups — the squad showed marked betterment aft failing to beforehand past the radical signifier astatine Qatar 2022.

"He leaves down a coagulated bequest of hard work, identity, and competitiveness that strengthens the instauration for the nationalist team’s adjacent chapter," the FMF stated regarding Aguirre, who conscionable concluded his 3rd World Cup rhythm arsenic Mexico’s manager.

Márquez steps into the relation with 1 of the astir decorated resumes successful Mexican shot history. As a player, helium featured successful 5 World Cups, won the 1999 Confederations Cup, and claimed Gold Cup titles successful 2003 and 2011.

In Europe, helium played for Monaco earlier a legendary stint astatine Barcelona, wherever helium won 2 Champions League trophies and 4 La Liga titles. Domestically, helium began and ended his vocation with Atlas and won back-to-back Liga MX titles with León.

Márquez transitioned to coaching successful Real Alcalá’s younker ranks earlier successfully managing Barça Atlètic, Barcelona’s reserve team, wherever helium was successful complaint for 82 matches implicit 2 seasons, signaling 40 wins, 21 draws and 21 losses.

Reporting by The Associated Press.