Barcelona Legend To Replace Javier Aguirre As Mexico Manager After World Cup

Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost.

Rafael Marquez will replace Javier Aguirre as manager of Mexico's national team after this summer's World Cup, Mexico Football Federation sporting director Duilio Davino confirmed in an interview with Fox Sports Mexico on Monday.

Marquez, a legendary defender for FC Barcelona as well as the Mexican national team, has served as an assistant coach on Aguirre's Mexican national team staff since July 2024, when the pair were both hired with a succession plan in place.

"His contract is signed and his staff is nearly 80% set," Davino said of Marquez. "Andres (Guardado) is an option (to join Rafa's staff). Off the pitch, Marquez is a (big) personality. On the pitch today, as both an assistant and a coach, Rafa is the way he was as a player. He transforms inside a dressing room."

Buzz: Madonna Makes Plea For 'Missing' Items Following Coachella Performance

Mexico is hosting 13 matches -- including all three of the country's group-stage matches and three knockout round matches -- in this summer's World Cup, which it is co-hosting along with the U.S. and Canada.

Marquez has minimal coaching appearance, previously coaching Alcala's U15 team and the Barcelona B squad in before joining Mexico's coaching staff.