Javier Aguirre has backed Rafa Marquez to succeed him as Mexico coach after El Tri’s World Cup exit, saying the former captain is ready to lead the national team into a bright new chapter.

Javier Aguirre has thrown his full support behind Rafa Marquez to become Mexico’s next head coach after bringing the curtain down on his third spell in charge following El Tri’s World Cup elimination.

The veteran manager leaves confident that the former captain is the right man to guide the national team into its next era.

Mexico’s campaign came to an end after a thrilling 3-2 defeat to England in the Round of 16, with the co-hosts falling just short despite a spirited comeback in front of their home supporters at the Azteca Stadium.

Aguirre had already confirmed before the tournament that he would step down after the World Cup.

So close 😪 pic.twitter.com/sdark7TEl4

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 6, 2026

Reflecting on his final game in charge, Aguirre admitted he would have loved to leave with a victory but accepted the outcome with dignity. “I would have liked to say goodbye to my people with a victory. That hurts,” he told reporters. “We tried.”

England took control of the contest through a quickfire brace from Jude Bellingham before Julian Quinones gave Mexico hope by reducing the deficit. Harry Kane later converted a penalty after England had gone down to 10 men, while Raul Jimenez’s late spot-kick set up a tense finish that ultimately was not enough to rescue the hosts.

Despite the disappointment, Aguirre praised the commitment shown by his players throughout the tournament and urged them to leave with pride. He thanked the entire squad for their efforts, insisting they had given everything even if they were unable to make the most of their opportunities against England.

The match itself was delayed by an hour because of severe weather around the Azteca Stadium, but that did little to dampen the atmosphere.

Mexico’s supporters produced a deafening backing throughout the evening, with chants of “yes we can” ringing around the stadium as the home side searched desperately for a late equaliser.

Although the defeat marked the end of Mexico’s World Cup journey, Aguirre believes the tournament helped restore belief within the national team.

He said he was leaving with immense pride, highlighting the squad’s unity and the renewed connection between the players and supporters as one of the biggest positives from his final spell.

Mexico manager Javier Aguirre is fighting back tears in his press conference after his last match as Mexico head coach, with Rafa Marquez set to take over.

🗣️ “I gave Marquez a huge hug because he will become the head coach. If there is anything to criticise, then please… pic.twitter.com/AjPbpup20b

— Lloyd Canfield (@LloydCanfield) July 6, 2026

Looking ahead, Aguirre believes Marquez is perfectly equipped to continue building on that foundation. The former defender, who captained Mexico at five World Cups and worked alongside Aguirre during this tournament, is expected to take over the national team. “I wish him the best,” Aguirre said. “He is more than capable, and he will do better than me.”