Javier Aguirre’s third spell as Mexico coach ended on Sunday with a 3-2 defeat to England in the World Cup round of 16, bringing the curtain down on a tenure that restored belief around El Tri and produced the country’s deepest run at the tournament in 40 years.
Having announced before the tournament that he would step down after the World Cup, Aguirre signed off by backing assistant Rafa Marquez to take charge of the national team. “I would have liked to say goodbye to my people with a victory. That hurts,” Aguirre said after the match.
Mexico vs England, FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights
“We tried. The players need to leave with their heads held high. Today it could not be. We failed to capitalise, but I want to thank them all.”
The 67-year-old returned for a third stint as Mexico coach in July 2024 with the aim of leading one of the tournament’s co-hosts to a memorable campaign. While Mexico fell short of a first quarter-final appearance since 1986, they exceeded expectations by topping Group A with four consecutive victories.
Mexico beat South Africa, South Korea and the Czech Republic without conceding a goal before defeating Ecuador 2-0 in the Round of 32 to reach the last 16.
Marquez, who joined Aguirre’s coaching staff after leaving Barcelona Athletic, is expected to succeed him. The former defender captained Mexico at five World Cups and made 147 appearances for the national team, establishing himself as one of the country’s most accomplished footballers.
England ended Mexico’s run after surviving a tense finish at the Estadio Azteca.
The match was delayed by an hour because of adverse weather before Jude Bellingham scored twice to put England in command. Julian Quinones pulled one back for Mexico, while Harry Kane restored England’s two-goal cushion from the penalty spot after Jarell Quansah had been sent off. Raul Jimenez converted a late penalty, but Mexico could not find an equaliser despite sustained pressure in the closing stages.
England coach Thomas Tuchel praised his side for coping with the hostile atmosphere after playing more than half the match with 10 men.
“If a team has heart and belief, it’s this team,” Tuchel said. “They did it on pure will. It was an iconic match in an iconic stadium. I have no words. I’m very, very proud.”
Bellingham, who scored twice, credited Mexico for pushing England all the way.
“It’s the best night of my England career and just unbelievable,” he said. “It was a chaotic game but credit to Mexico. We never underestimated them for one minute and they were exactly as good as we thought they would be. But this team showed character tonight.”
Aguirre leaves having overseen Mexico’s best World Cup campaign in four decades. The attention now shifts to Marquez, who is set to begin preparations for the 2030 World Cup.
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