Rafael Márquez named Mexico head coach to lead El Tri into 2030 World Cup

Rafael Márquez has been appointed head coach of the Mexican national team, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) confirmed on Wednesday, with the former Barcelona captain tasked with leading El Tri through to the 2030 World Cup.

Márquez, 47, steps up from the assistant role he held under Javier Aguirre since August 2024, a position he occupied until Mexico’s 3-2 round-of-16 defeat to England at the 2026 World Cup. Although a succession plan had been in place since last year, reports had suggested the FMF might look beyond Márquez before the federation moved to confirm the appointment.

“The appointment of Rafael Márquez is part of an orderly transition designed to ensure continuity … strengthen development, and tackle upcoming commitments,” the FMF said in a statement.

Aguirre, who has now overseen three World Cup cycles as Mexico manager, was praised by the federation as he departed. Mexico’s campaign ended at the round of 16 — the stage at which they have been eliminated in eight of their last nine World Cups — but the team showed clear improvement after failing to advance from the group stage at Qatar 2022. “He leaves behind a solid legacy of hard work, identity, and competitiveness that strengthens the foundation for the national team’s next chapter,” the FMF stated.

Aguirre himself backed the decision. “I am happy with the growth shown by Rafa,” the outgoing coach said. “I spoke with Rafa because we are both prominent figures in Mexican soccer — I knew him as a player and a teammate — and he is more than qualified.”

Márquez brings one of the most decorated playing careers in Mexican football history to the role. He appeared at five World Cups, won the 1999 Confederations Cup, and claimed Gold Cup titles in 2003 and 2011. In Europe, he played for Monaco before a celebrated spell at Barcelona, where he won two Champions League trophies and four La Liga titles. He also won back-to-back Liga MX titles with León.

His coaching career began in Real Alcalá’s youth setup before he took charge of Barça Atlètic, Barcelona’s reserve side, managing 82 matches over two seasons and recording 40 wins, 21 draws and 21 losses.

With no immediate fixtures on the schedule, Márquez is expected to take charge for the first time during the FIFA international window in late September and early October.