Rafael Márquez has unveiled the coaching staff that will support him as the new head coach of the Mexico national team. The former captain has finalized his key collaborators in a move that solidifies the project ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Mexico currently sits first in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying standings with 9 points from three wins, having scored 6 goals and conceded none. This five-point lead over South Africa comes during a period of transition. The team is looking to bounce back from its last result, a 2-3 defeat to England on July 6, though its recent form across the last five matches shows four wins and just one loss.
The lead assistant will be Juan Manuel Lillo, a strategist with over four decades of experience in game analysis across different countries. Andrés Guardado, a Mexican football legend with a long professional playing career, joins as another assistant coach. For goalkeeper training, Márquez has brought in Xabier Mancisidor, who spent 13 seasons as a specialist at Manchester City. Pol Lorente, meanwhile, will continue in his role as the national team's fitness coach.
This group brings together extensive experience in top-level competitions, including World Cups, the Champions League, and Europe's major leagues. Their knowledge of international football will also be a significant asset.
The coaching staff will be officially presented to the media and fans in the coming days. Their first test comes quickly during the September window. Mexico faces Colombia on September 26 in Baltimore, a match listed as the next fixture on our fixtures page. Four days later, the team will take on Peru in Harrison, New Jersey.
October brings two more preparation matches. El Tri will visit the United States on October 3 in Glendale, Arizona, before traveling to Los Angeles to play Chile on October 6. This series of friendlies is key for fine-tuning details ahead of the final phase of World Cup qualifying, the current status of which can be seen on the standings page.
The blend of youth and experience is the hallmark of Márquez's staff. Juan Manuel Lillo provides deep tactical insight and a history of working in multiple countries. Andrés Guardado, recently retired, connects directly with the current generation of players and understands the dynamics of the national team locker room. His transition from captain on the pitch to assistant on the bench is a strategic move.
Xabier Mancisidor brings the know-how from one of the Premier League's most successful clubs, where he developed elite goalkeepers. Pol Lorente offers continuity, already familiar with the squad and its physical processes. Together, they form a cohesive unit to support Márquez in his first major challenge as head coach.
The goal is clear: maintain the perfect start in qualifying and build a competitive team for the home World Cup. With top spot already secured in the initial phase, the focus is on long-term preparation. Fans can follow the squad's development on our squad page. The Márquez era begins with a defined staff and a demanding schedule ahead.
