Barcelona legend Rafael Márquez will become the new head coach of the Mexico national team after the World Cup..

The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) announced on Wednesday that Barcelona legend, the country's former international defender Rafael Márquez will become the new head coach of the Mexico national team after the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

This announcement was personally confirmed by FM sporting director Duilio Davino in an interview with Fox Sports.

He said Márquez's tenure will last until after the 2030 FIFA World Cup in Morocco, Spain, and Portugal.

Currently, they are finalizing the members of Márquez's assistant coaching staff, which is now 80% complete. Former Deportivo La Coruña legend Andrés Guardado is among the candidates being considered.

Davino said, "His contract is signed, and the coaching staff is basically complete at 80%. Andrés Guardado is also one of the options to join Rafa's coaching staff. Off the pitch, Márquez has a distinct personality. Now on the pitch, whether as an assistant coach or head coach, Rafa maintains the style he had as a player. He has brought a fresh perspective to the locker room."

The Mexico national team will be the third team Márquez will coach in his career. Previously, he also served as head coach of Barcelona's U19s team and Alcalá's U15s team, a local non-league club in Madrid.

He will replace 61-year-old Javier Aguirre as the new head coach of El Tri.

It's worth mentioning that before officially becoming an assistant coach, Márquez already had experience as a scout for the Mexico national team, helping to discover some highly promising new players.

About Rafael Márquez

The 47-year-old Márquez was born on February 13, 1979, in Zamora de Hidalgo, Mexico. He is 1.84 meters tall, primarily played as a center-back, but can also play as a defensive midfielder. He holds dual Mexican and Spanish citizenship.

Márquez has played for Monaco, New York Red Bulls, León, Hellas Verona, and also twice for Atlas.

In the summer of 2003, Márquez joined Barcelona for €5.25 million.

During his seven-year spell with the Blaugrana, Márquez made 242 appearances for Barça in all competitions, scored 13 goals and provided 13 assists. During which he helped the team win four La Liga titles, three Copa Catalunya, three Supercopa de España, two UEFA Champions League titles, one Copa del Rey, one UEFA Super Cup, and one FIFA Club World Cup.

Image source: Internet / Fox Sports