The Mexican national football team is entering a new chapter under the leadership of a familiar face, Javier Aguirre, who has been appointed as the new head coach. The announcement followed the departure of Jimmy Lozano in July 2024, surprising many fans with Aguirre’s return for a third stint in charge of the national team.
Aguirre first took the helm in 2001 during a challenging period for Mexican football, as the team was struggling to qualify for the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan. Stepping in for Enrique Meza, Aguirre embraced the challenge and successfully guided Mexico to the World Cup, where they made a strong impression during the group stage, finishing first in Group G ahead of notable teams like Italy, Ecuador, and Croatia. Unfortunately, they faced elimination in the round of 16 after a loss to the United States, leaving fans with mixed feelings.
In 2009, Aguirre returned for his second term after the dismissal of Sven-Göran Eriksson. He once again was tasked with rescuing the team from a precarious situation reminiscent of his earlier experience. Under his management, Mexico not only secured a spot in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa but also demonstrated a more competitive playing style. Notably, Aguirre led the team to victory in the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where they delivered an impressive 5-0 defeat of the United States in the final.
During the 2010 World Cup, Mexico advanced to the knockout stage as the runner-up in Group A, marking a historic win against France. However, the team faced Argentina in the next round and was eliminated once again.
The return of Javier Aguirre brings a wealth of experience and a history of overcoming challenges with the Mexican national team. This new chapter offers a glimmer of hope for fans, as Aguirre’s previous successes suggest that he is capable of leading the team to new heights. With his track record, there is potential for an exciting journey ahead for the Mexican squad under his guidance.