Background and Relevance of the Coaches
Javier Aguirre and Miguel Herrera, two prominent football coaches born in Mexico, are set to potentially face each other in the final of the 2025 Gold Cup. Aguirre currently leads the Mexican national team (México), while Herrera coaches Costa Rica. Both coaches have expressed their ambitions to win the Gold Cup and secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Recent Encounter in Group Stage
The two coaches recently met during the group stage of the 2025 Gold Cup, where Mexico and Costa Rica played to a 0-0 draw. Aguirre’s Mexico team secured the group lead, while Costa Rica finished second. Despite the result, both teams advanced to the quarterfinals.
Mutual Respect and Professional Relationship
Following the match, Aguirre shared his conversation with Herrera, expressing his hope for both to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and Herrera’s wish for a potential final encounter in the Gold Cup. Aguirre praised Herrera, acknowledging their shared Mexican heritage, mutual respect, and professional camaraderie.
Previous Encounters
This was only the second time Aguirre and Herrera faced each other as head coaches, with Aguirre previously defeating Herrera’s Tigres (coached by Costa Rica) 2-0 while managing Monterrey in the Apertura 2021 Liga MX season.
Mexican Coaches in CONCACAF
Currently, the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Football (CONCACAF) features four Mexican coaches leading senior men’s national teams: Javier Aguirre with Mexico, Miguel Herrera with Costa Rica, Luis Fernando Tena with Guatemala, and Jacques Passy with Antigua and Barbuda. All three are active in the Gold Cup, while Herrera and Tena also compete in CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers for a spot in the 2026 tournament.
Herrera’s Post-Match Reflections
After the match, Herrera acknowledged his desire to win but recognized Costa Rica’s strong performance. He highlighted the population difference between the two nations, emphasizing Costa Rica’s growth and competitiveness against Mexico, one of the world’s strongest leagues.
Upcoming Quarterfinals
Costa Rica will face the United States in the quarterfinals, while Mexico prepares to play against Saudi Arabia. Both matches are scheduled for the upcoming weekend.
Aguirre’s Assessment
Aguirre expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance but disappointment with the result, as his goal was to win all three group stage matches. He praised Costa Rica’s efforts and acknowledged Herrera’s strategic abilities.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the significance of the potential final clash between Aguirre and Herrera? This matchup would highlight the achievements of two Mexican coaches leading their respective national teams in the Gold Cup, with both aiming to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
- What are the coaches’ ambitions for the Gold Cup? Both Aguirre and Herrera aim to win the Gold Cup and qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
- What were the results of the group stage match between Mexico and Costa Rica? The match ended in a 0-0 draw, with Mexico securing the group lead and Costa Rica finishing second.
- What are the upcoming quarterfinal matches for the teams? Costa Rica will face the United States, while Mexico will play against Saudi Arabia. Both matches are scheduled for the upcoming weekend.
