Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre announced his resignation after the national team lost 3-2 [1] to England on July 5.
The departure marks a sudden end to Mexico's campaign in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, eliminating the host nation from the tournament during the Round of 16.
Aguirre delivered a farewell at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where 80,824 spectators [2] watched the match. The coach took full responsibility for the defeat, saying that any criticism should be directed at him as manager rather than the squad [3].
"It’s really painful," Aguirre said [3].
He praised the effort of the roster, saying that all 26 players [3] deserve credit and should hold their heads high. The loss ended the team's hopes of advancing further in the competition, a result Aguirre described as a dream that has come crashing down [3].
Reports regarding the timing of the resignation vary. Some sources indicate the decision was announced in the immediate aftermath of the loss [1], while other reports suggest the decision had been planned beforehand [4].
"We dared to dream, and that dream has come crashing down," Aguirre said [3].
“"All 26 players deserve credit and should hold their heads high; any criticism should be directed at me as manager."”
The resignation of Javier Aguirre creates an immediate leadership vacuum for the Mexican national team following a high-profile exit on home soil. By absorbing the criticism for the Round of 16 loss, Aguirre attempted to shield his players from public backlash, but the result leaves the federation to find a new coach to rebuild the program after a disappointing finish to the 2026 tournament.
