What is Rafael Marquez’s role with Mexico at the World Cup?

Rafael Marquez will be in the dugout for Mexico at their home World Cup this summer, hoping to help lead them to success.

Marquez made 148 appearances for his country during his international playing career, captaining them at five World Cups.

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The 47-year-old, who has the fourth most caps ever for Mexico, also led them to two Gold Cups and a Confederations Cup.

At club level, he won 10 trophies with Barcelona from 2003 to 2010, including two Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles.

Now, his legendary playing days are sure to act as motivation for the Mexican squad as he looks to inspire the new generation.

What is Marquez’s role with Mexico?

Marquez is assistant manager to Mexico boss Javier Aguirre.

The former centre-back has held the position on Aguirre’s staff since 2024, having spent two years as head coach of Barcelona B.

So, he will be accompanying Aguirre this summer, but he will be taking on a new role straight after the 2026 World Cup.

Following the tournament, Marquez will take over as manager.

In an interview with Fox Sports in April, Mexico Football Federation (FMF) sporting director Duilio Davino revealed that Marquez had already signed a contract to become boss.

Davino said: “His contract is signed and his staff is nearly 80 per cent set. 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.”

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His objective is set to be to lead Mexico towards the 2030 World Cup, meaning he will be signing at least a four-year deal.

The comments from Davino followed FMF executive Ivar Sisniega’s admission that the plan for Marquez was to take over from Aguirre.

As part of his contract as an assistant, the legend was always going to be stepping up into the manager role this year.

“This plan has been in motion,” Sisniega said in December.

“He has been scouting players, including at the U-20 World Cup in Chile, looking at players who could be part of his first national team squad.

“He has been doing a lot of scouting. We hope to fulfil this plan because that’s how it is stipulated in his contract.”