World Cup 2026: The chosen one to break the 'curse' for Mexican football

FMF stated that this decision is part of the roadmap for the Mexican Football Development Project through 2030, which was announced in August 2024. At that time, Marquez was brought into the coaching staff as an assistant to coach Javier Aguirre during the preparation campaign for the 2026 World Cup. Therefore, his promotion to the head coach position is seen as a pre-planned transition to maintain continuity for the team development project.

During his time as assistant, Marquez directly participated in the preparation, training, and matches of the Mexican team at the 2026 World Cup. FMF also thanked coach Javier Aguirre and his colleagues, affirming that the previous coaching staff left an important foundation in terms of expertise, playing identity, and competitive spirit for the team.

Before returning to the national team as head coach, strategist Rafael Marquez began his coaching career with the youth teams of Real Alcala (Spain) and later managed Barcelona's reserve team, Barça Atlètic. The experience accumulated at the club level, along with the time spent working alongside coach Aguirre, is expected to help the former center-back make his mark in the new era of Mexican football.

Right after Mexico lost 2-3 to England in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, coach Javier Aguirre publicly expressed his support for Marquez, stating that his former protégé is the most suitable successor and can help 'El Tri' achieve better results in the future.

The immediate task for coach Marquez will not be easy. The 47-year-old former center-back must begin the process of rebuilding the squad, aiming for the 2030 World Cup, while also trying to end the 'Round of 16 curse' that has haunted Mexico for decades. Since the 1994 World Cup, the team has consistently failed to reach the quarterfinals, including in the 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and most recently 2026 tournaments.

Experts believe that new coach Marquez will face a range of challenges, from rejuvenating the squad and building a long-term project, to finding and developing players of Mexican origin around the world. However, given his status as one of the greatest icons in the country's football history, strategist Rafael Marquez is expected to open a new chapter for the Mexican national team after the disappointment of the home World Cup.