Mexico manager immediately replaced after losing to England in World Cup

Just hours after being eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026, Mexico manager Javier Aguirre has been replaced by a Barcelona icon.

As one of three home nations, Mexico put on a spectacular showing in the World Cup, rallied by the home fans in the Azteca stadium.

But the quarter-finals of the tournament proved to be one step too far, as they suffered a nail-biting 3-2 defeat to England.

With Jude Bellingham opening the scoring with two bustling goals in the space of 90 seconds, Mexico were spurred on by a late first-half strike by Julián Quiñones.

Their hopes took a fresh turn when Jarell Quansah was sent off, only for a Harry Kane penalty moments later dampening their chances.

A penalty of their own continued a comeback charge, but they failed to open up England again and crashed out of their home event.

Immediately after the game, head coach Javier Aguirre stepped down, and now they have already found their replacement.

Mexico appoint new manager hours after World Cup exit

Taking to the post-match press conference, Aguirre announced that he will be leaving his post after 34 games in charge.

"I would have liked ​to say goodbye to my people with a victory. That hurts. We tried," he said.

"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."

"I leave with a lot of pride. These players made me very happy. We recovered the sense of belonging and the identity of this team."

Former Barcelona man and Mexico stalwart Rafa Marquez will now take the reins.

Marquez captained the country at five World Cups and has been working closely alongside Aguirre in this tournament.

The Mexico boss is one of many who have had their tenures ended from this World Cup.

Tunisia sacked Herve Renard just days after being appointed manager following their opening defeat to Sweden, while staple figures like Netherland's Ronald Koeman and Germany's Julian Nagelsmann both lost their jobs after early exits.

In reflection, the Round of 16 exit wasn't a bad result for Mexico, especially with a draw against England, with the host nation performing admirably to the final whistle.

A win against England, however, would have set up a tasty route to the semi-finals with Norway beating Brazil in the other half of the bracket.

That opportunity now falls to England, who will have to contain an in-form Erling Haaland, who has found the net seven times already in this tournament, equalling Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi in the chase for a golden boot.