The Mexican national team has strengthened its coaching staff with the official addition of Spaniard Juan Manuel Lillo as an assistant to manager Rafael Márquez. The Mexican Football Federation made the announcement this week in a move directly aimed at the qualification process for the 2030 World Cup.
Lillo, 60, arrives with a high-level resume, notably his two stints as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City between 2020-2022 and 2023-2025. During that time, the English club won multiple Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles. His experience joins a Mexican team that currently leads its group in 2026 World Cup qualifying with 9 points from three wins in three games. The goal difference is impressive: 6 scored and 0 conceded, giving them a 5-point lead over South Africa, their closest challenger.
Juan Manuel Lillo is no stranger to American football. He had a spell in Colombia as head coach of Millonarios in late 2013, replacing Hernán Torres. In the first half of 2014, he led the team to the semifinals of the domestic league, but his tenure ended after an elimination in the initial phase of the Copa Sudamericana against Peru's César Vallejo and a poor start to the second tournament of the year, which included a 5-0 loss to Atlético Nacional.
Later, in June 2017, he was appointed manager of Atlético Nacional itself, succeeding Reinaldo Rueda. However, his time at the Colombian club lasted just five months before he resigned. These experiences, combined with his successful period in Europe, give him a unique perspective he will now put at the service of El Tri.
Rafael Márquez's team enters this new technical cycle in strong competitive form. Their last result was a narrow 2-3 defeat to England on July 6th, but their recent form over the last five matches is solid, with four wins and only that one loss (LWWWW). The next challenge is imminent: a FIFA date clash at home against Colombia, scheduled for September 26th. Fans can follow the preparation and full squad on our team page.
Lillo's addition aims to bring fresh ideas and elite experience to a project already showing strong numbers. The Mexican defense has not conceded a single goal in the current qualifying phase, a stat that will undoubtedly be key to maintaining the lead. The standings table reflects the team's dominance so far.
The work of Lillo alongside Márquez will begin immediately, with a focus on the match against Colombia. Beyond that commitment, the Federation has made it clear the plan is long-term, building a structured project culminating in participation in the 2030 World Cup. The synergy between Márquez's vision and Lillo's vast experience, especially in the tactical and analytical work developed alongside Guardiola, will be an element to watch closely.
With the team atop its group and playing effective football, the arrival of an assistant of his caliber seeks to fine-tune the details. The fixtures calendar ahead is demanding, and having an expanded, experienced coaching staff is a clear bet on continuing the success. El Tri faces this new chapter with the confidence results bring and the ambition to keep growing.
