The Mexican national football team is embarking on a new journey with the appointment of Javier Aguirre as head coach, following the departure of Jimmy Lozano in July 2024. Many were surprised to see Aguirre return for a third time at the helm of the national team.
Aguirre first took charge in 2001 during a crucial period for Mexican football when the team struggled to qualify for the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan. He stepped in decisively, succeeding Enrique Meza, and successfully guided the team to qualification. Once there, Mexico put on a commendable performance in the group stage, finishing first in Group G ahead of notable teams like Italy, Ecuador, and Croatia. However, they faced disappointment after being eliminated in the round of 16 by the United States.
His second tenure began in 2009 after Sven-Göran Eriksson was dismissed. Aguirre returned to steer the team out of another challenging situation similar to that of 2001. Under his leadership, Mexico not only secured a spot in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa but also enjoyed a more competitive style of play. They achieved a significant milestone by winning the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup, dominating the final with a resounding 5-0 victory against the United States.
During the World Cup, Mexico progressed to the knockout stage, finishing second in Group A and achieving a historic win over France. Unfortunately, they were eliminated once again by Argentina in the subsequent round.
As Aguirre resumes his role, there is a palpable sense of optimism among fans and players alike. His experience and previous successes provide a solid foundation for the team’s future endeavors. The hope is that under his guidance, the Mexican national team will build on past achievements and strive for greater success in upcoming international competitions. With Aguirre back at the helm, there is a renewed belief that a brighter era for Mexican football may be on the horizon.