Aguirre steps down as Mexico boss after England's historic Azteca victory

Javier Aguirre has departed as Mexico head coach after England defeated the hosts at the Azteca Stadium to advance to the World Cup quarter-finals, with the exit triggering a pre-arranged succession that will see legend Rafa Marquez step up from assistant to take charge.

Aguirre, who had agreed before the tournament that he would stand down if Mexico were eliminated, spoke candidly at his farewell press conference. “I leave with mixed feelings. On one hand, I’m proud of the family we built and very satisfied with the work done,” he said. “When you lose, it’s hard to get over it. Success is a path paved with mistakes you’ve overcome.”

The outgoing coach made no attempt to hide his frustration at the manner of the defeat, pointing to a statistical imbalance that ultimately counted for nothing. “They scored three goals from four or five shots, while we had 18 shots, six or seven on target, but that counts for nothing. We lost. Our opponent didn’t make mistakes against us. We wish them a great World Cup.”

Aguirre reserved warm words for his successor, former Barcelona defender Marquez, who inherits a squad he described as brimming with potential. “I gave Rafa a hug. We came from a difficult situation — competing in the Nations League and Gold Cup with a young squad, many of whom are eyeing moves to Europe. I am happy with the growth of Rafa Márquez and many of the players. They played with the heart of Mexico.”

England manager Thomas Tuchel was equally effusive about his own side after what he described as one of the most significant results of his tenure. “This team really mean it. When the going gets tough, they never give up, they never lose belief,” Tuchel said. “This is Azteca, it’s Mexico, a crazy game. We left everything out there, every single one of us. Now it’s full steam ahead.”

Marquez, one of Mexico’s most decorated players, now faces the immediate challenge of steadying a nation still processing the defeat while preparing a young, ambitious squad for whatever comes next in the tournament cycle.