Veteran coach Javier Aguirre has returned to coach Mexico’s national football team in an attempt to revive El Tri’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, succeeding Jaime Lozano, who was sacked last week.
“We are very happy to announce the appointment of Javier El Vasco Aguirre as the national team’s technical director,” Mexican federation official Duilio Davino said in a video posted on social media.
Former Mexico legend Rafael Marquez will be Aguirre’s assistant, in a further effort to boost Mexico’s chances at the 2026 World Cup, which it will co-host with the United States and Canada.
Aguirre, 65, coached Mexico at the 2002 and 2010 World Cups, leading them to the second round on both occasions. He has also coached Japan and Egypt, as well as a string of Spanish clubs including Atletico Madrid, Espanyol and Real Mallorca.
The Mexican federation said last week it had offered Lozano a new contract through 2030 that would include working under a “more experienced” coach from 2024 to 2026. Under the deal, Lozano would have been able to return as head coach between 2026 and 2030, but the federation said the coach rejected the offer and decided to leave.