Aguirre tearfully exits Mexico job, backs Márquez for top role

Mexico's hopes of advancing past the Round of 16 in the 2026 North America World Cup were dashed in a 2-3 defeat to England. This loss extends the national team's streak of failing to reach the quarterfinals to nine consecutive tournaments, a feat they have not achieved since hosting the event in 1986.

Jude Bellingham scored twice and Harry Kane added another for England, overcoming Javier Aguirre's squad despite their late efforts. Following the elimination, Aguirre, visibly emotional, addressed the press, accepting his share of responsibility for the outcome. He apologized for not delivering the desired joy to a nation that had been hopeful.

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I know this is my last game as coach of the Mexican national team in the Azteca stadium, and I say goodbye, I leave with great pride; I lived a large part of my football life here.

"I know this is my last game as coach of the Mexican national team in the Azteca stadium, and I say goodbye, I leave with great pride; I lived a large part of my football life here," Aguirre stated, marking the end of his third stint with the team.

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Rafa is strong, I had him as a player, as a teammate, and I think he is more than capable. He is a very valuable young man, a great coach, and he will prove it; I hope he does better than we could.

Aguirre also expressed confidence in his assistant coach, Rafael Márquez, as his successor. "Rafa is strong, I had him as a player, as a teammate, and I think he is more than capable. He is a very valuable young man, a great coach, and he will prove it; I hope he does better than we could," he said, also thanking Márquez for his disposition during their time together.

Regarding potential future roles within the Mexican Football Federation, Aguirre indicated a need for rest. "I can't even sit down to evaluate it, I need a couple of days and I need to be with my people; from there, I will make a good decision because right now I don't know, there are many emotions," he confessed after the team's exit from the tournament.

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I can't even sit down to evaluate it, I need a couple of days and I need to be with my people; from there, I will make a good decision because right now I don't know, there are many emotions.