World Cup: Mexico coach Aguirre ‘proud but hurt’ after England defeat

Mexico's head coach Javier Aguirre is grappling with mixed emotions after his team's 3-2 defeat to England, which concluded their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey. While proud of the team's unity and effort, Aguirre admitted the loss at the Estadio Azteca was a deeply painful end to Mexico's World Cup aspirations.

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I leave with mixed feelings. On one hand, proud of the family we built and very satisfied with the work done.

"I leave with mixed feelings. On one hand, proud of the family we built and very satisfied with the work done," Aguirre stated post-match. "When you lose, it’s hard to get over it. Success is a path paved with mistakes you’ve overcome. It’s about going from failure to failure until you finally succeed."

The veteran coach found the defeat difficult to accept, describing the moment as overwhelming. "It’s going to be a tough night. I’m at a loss for words. I’m overcome with emotion. I think the dream ends here," he added. England secured their victory with goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, while Mexico's goals came from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez, both from penalties. England played the final part of the match with 10 men after Jarell Quansah's red card.

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When you lose, it’s hard to get over it. Success is a path paved with mistakes you’ve overcome. It’s about going from failure to failure until you finally succeed.

Aguirre acknowledged that statistics, such as Mexico's 18 shots compared to England's four or five, did not translate into a win. "But that counts for nothing. We lost. Our opponent didn’t make mistakes against us. We wish them a great World Cup," he said. Midfielder Eric Lira echoed the sentiment of pride, stating, "I am proud to wear this jersey and proud to belong to this national team. We planted a seed that we’ll look back on in the future, and I’m certain that great things lie ahead for us."

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It’s going to be a tough night. I’m at a loss for words. I’m overcome with emotion. I think the dream ends here.

Aguirre also expressed confidence in his successor, assistant coach Rafael Márquez. "I wish them the best. I’m happy with Rafa Márquez’s growth and that of many of the players. They played with the heart of Mexico," he said. The loss marked only Mexico's third competitive defeat at the Estadio Azteca since its opening in 1966.

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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.