The Mexican national football team is embarking on a new chapter with the appointment of Javier Aguirre as head coach, following the departure of Jimmy Lozano in July 2024. Many fans were surprised to learn that Aguirre, affectionately known as “El Vasco,” will be leading the team for the third time.
Aguirre first took charge of the team in 2001 during a critical period for Mexican football. The national team, known as “El Tri,” was struggling to qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan. Aguirre stepped in with determination and experience, succeeding Enrique Meza.
Under Aguirre’s leadership, Mexico secured its place in the World Cup, delivering a commendable performance in the group stage where they topped Group G, surpassing strong teams like Italy, Ecuador, and Croatia. Despite this success, the team’s journey ended in the round of 16, where they were eliminated by the United States, leaving fans with mixed feelings.
His second term began in 2009 after Sven-Göran Eriksson was dismissed. Aguirre returned to guide the Mexican team out of a situation reminiscent of 2001. During this tenure, he not only led the team to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa but also instilled a more competitive style of play. Notably, he secured the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup, with a memorable 5-0 victory over the United States in the final.
In the 2010 World Cup, Mexico advanced to the round of 16 again as the runner-up in Group A, notably achieving a historic win over France. However, they faced Argentina in the knockout stage and were once again eliminated.
As Mexico prepares for this new journey with Aguirre at the helm, there is a sense of hope that his experience and past successes will lead the team to greater heights. Fans are optimistic that he can channel the talent within the squad to create a strong, unified team poised for success on the international stage. With Aguirre’s leadership, there are plenty of reasons to be hopeful about Mexico’s future in football.