Former Barcelona star Rafael Marquez will take over as head coach of the Mexican national team after the 2026 World Cup, according to Duilio Davino, director of the Mexican Football Federation’s national teams. “His contract is already signed,” Davino told Mundo Deportivo.
The 47-year-old has served as an assistant to head coach Javier Aguirre since 2024. Aguirre will leave the team when his contract expires after the World Cup. Mexico has been drawn into a group with South Africa, South Korea, and the Czech Republic for the 2026 tournament.
As a player, Marquez is one of only six footballers to have appeared in five World Cups, captaining Mexico in four of them. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could set a new record by playing in their sixth World Cup, potentially tying Marquez’s achievement.