Mexico Announces 2026 World Cup Squad with Rafa Márquez Set to Replace Aguirre as Coach

Mexico has officially unveiled its 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one of three host nations for the tournament. The squad features players from clubs across Europe, Mexico's Liga MX, and other leagues, with an average age of 27.5 years. The roster includes experienced goalkeepers Raúl Rangel (26), Carlos Acevedo (30), and 40-year-old Guillermo Ochoa, alongside defenders such as Edson Álvarez of West Ham and forwards including Raúl Jiménez (35) of Fulham and Santiago Giménez (25) of AC Milan.

Javier Aguirre continues as Mexico's head coach for what will be his final tournament in charge. Following the World Cup, Mexico legend Rafa Márquez is set to take over the role. According to Mexico Football Federation sporting director Duilio Davino, Márquez's contract is already signed and his coaching staff is approximately 80 percent finalized. Davino praised Márquez's leadership qualities, noting that "off the pitch, Márquez is a big personality. On the pitch today, as both an assistant and a coach, Rafa is the way he was as a player. He transforms inside a dressing room." Potential staff additions include midfielder Andrés Guardado, who may join Márquez's coaching team.

Notable inclusions in the squad include Colombian-born striker Julián Quiñones, who obtained Mexican citizenship and chose to represent Mexico over Colombia, which had previously called him up in 2023. Quiñones, now playing for Saudi Arabian club Al Qadsiah, had an outstanding 2025-26 season with 33 goals and four assists. Young talent is also represented through 17-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora of Club Tijuana and 20-year-old midfielder Obed Vargas of Atlético Madrid. The squad arrives on the back of a 2-0 victory against South Africa, demonstrating the team's competitive form heading into the tournament.