by the El Reportero wire services
Rafael Márquez, one of the most accomplished players in Mexican soccer history, has officially begun a new chapter — this time from the sidelines.
The former Mexico captain and Barcelona defender was formally presented Thursday as head coach of the Mexican national team, taking command of El Tri as it begins the road toward the 2030 World Cup.
Márquez, 47, succeeds Javier Aguirre, under whom he served as an assistant during the 2026 World Cup. Rather than rebuilding the national team from the ground up, Márquez said he intends to continue developing the foundation established during the previous cycle.
“The way I finished working with Javier gives me a great deal of confidence to continue this process,” Márquez said. “I know the players quite well, I know the environment.”
His appointment carries special significance because of his long history with El Tri. Márquez represented Mexico at five consecutive World Cups — 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018 — but each campaign ended in the round of 16.
Now he has an opportunity to accomplish from the bench what eluded him as a player.
“It did not happen for me as a player in those five World Cups; unfortunately, we always reached the same point,” Márquez said. “Today, I have this opportunity.”
Mexico showed progress at the 2026 World Cup, recording a perfect group stage and winning a knockout match for the first time in 40 years before being eliminated by England in the round of 16.
Márquez also brings extensive international experience. During his celebrated playing career, he won four Spanish league championships and two UEFA Champions League titles with Barcelona. He later coached Barça Atlètic before joining Aguirre’s Mexican national team staff.
His first test will come Sept. 26, when Mexico faces Colombia at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. El Tri will then face Peru on Sept. 29, the United States on Oct. 3 and Chile in Los Angeles on Oct. 6.
For Márquez, however, success will involve more than victories.
“We want people to feel proud of their national team,” he said, emphasizing his goal of creating a team that competes regardless of the opponent.
