Rafael Marquez officially takes charge as Mexico coach for FIFA World Cup 2030 cycle

Rafael Márquez had served under predecessor Javier Aguirre as assistant coach from August 2024 until Mexico’s loss to England in the round of 16 of this summer’s World Cup. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Former Barcelona star Rafael Márquez was introduced on Thursday as the new head coach of the Mexican national team, aiming to qualify the squad for the 2030 World Cup.

The 47-year-old Márquez had served under predecessor Javier Aguirre as assistant coach from August 2024 until Mexico’s loss to England in the round of 16 of this summer’s World Cup.

Mexico faces Colombia on September 26 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore in the first of four friendlies in the United States. The other three opponents are: Peru (September 29 in Harrison, N.J.), the U.S. (October 3 in Glendale, Arizona), and Chile (October 6 in Los Angeles).

A former centre-back, Márquez steps into the role with one of the most decorated resumes in Mexican football history. He was a longtime El Tri captain and played in five World Cups.

Joining Márquez’s staff is 39-year-old Andrés Guardado, a former international teammate across four World Cups (2006–2018) who had been coaching with Real Betis’ youth setup since retiring in 2023.

Márquez also appointed assistant coaches Juan Manuel Lillo and Vidal Paloma, goalkeeper coach Xabier Mancisidor, and physical trainer Pol Lorente. Aside from Guardado (“El Principito”), the rest of the coaching staff is Spanish.