Introduction
Javier Aguirre, affectionately known as ‘El Vasco,’ was carried on the shoulders of more than 70,000 fans at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, following Mexico’s triumph in the 2025 Gold Cup. Aguirre, who has become Mexico’s most successful coach, played a crucial role in securing the team’s 10th Gold Cup title. However, he remains focused on the ultimate challenge: hosting and competing in the 2026 World Cup.
A Coach’s Humble Beginnings
Aguirre’s journey with the Mexican national team began in 2009 when he led them to victory in the Gold Cup against the United States, with a decisive 5-0 scoreline. His second title came in March 2025, defeating Panama 2-1 in the Liga de Naciones CONCACAF final. The third title was secured in July, beating the United States 2-1 once again in the Gold Cup final, thanks to goals from Raúl Jiménez and Edson Álvarez.
- First Gold Cup title: 2009 against the United States (5-0)
- Second title: Liga de Naciones CONCACAF in March 2025, defeating Panama 2-1
- Third title: Gold Cup in July 2025, overcoming the United States 2-1
Breaking Records and Maintaining Humility
With these three titles, Aguirre surpassed Ignacio Trelles and Manuel Lapuente, who had each won two titles in previous decades. Despite his accomplishments, Aguirre remains modest, attributing the team’s success to the players:
“From the first minute of May 26th until today, the players’ conduct has been exemplary, and it reflected in the team’s performance. They are very convinced and celebrate together, even those who had to sit on the bench. I believe it was a great effort from this group to stay together for so long, especially growing football-wise from the beginning to the end.”
Summer of Success
The Mexican national team had 41 days of intense preparation during the summer, integrating players from Europe and Liga MX champions. They started with mixed results, losing 2-4 to Switzerland and then defeating Turkey 1-0 in friendly matches. The team then went undefeated in the Gold Cup, defeating Republic Dominican Republic (3-2), Suriname (2-0), Saudi Arabia (2-0), Honduras (1-0), and the United States (2-1), along with a 0-0 draw against Costa Rica in the group stage.
Key Takeaways from the Summer
When asked about his three main conclusions from this period, Aguirre highlighted:
- Being champions, as they set out to achieve this goal and fulfilled their favorites’ status.
- The strong connection between the team and the fans, both in the United States and Mexico.
- The team’s evolving playing style that has enabled them to win two trophies in less than six months, boosting their confidence for the future.
CONCACAF Consolidation and World Cup Preparation
Aguirre emphasized that the double triumph in the Liga de Naciones and Gold Cup helps solidify Mexico’s position within CONCACAF, an area that has recently seen the growth of other nations like Panama, Canada, and the United States.
“Undoubtedly, it’s important because in the recent tournaments organized by CONCACAF, we have been fortunate enough to win them… I believe that in CONCACAF, we have made significant progress, as it seemed we were left behind. However, Panama, Canada, and even the United States have grown, but today Mexico stands prominently in CONCACAF.”
Looking Ahead: The 2026 World Cup
With the 2026 World Cup starting in June, Aguirre and the team will have only around six friendly matches in 2025 and as many as possible in the first half of 2026 to prepare. Aguirre acknowledged that these upcoming matches will be crucial in identifying potential players for the World Cup:
“There will be no official matches; they will be friendlies, and we must continue searching for players for the World Cup.”
Coaching Record Since September 2024
Since taking charge of the Mexican national team in September 2024, Aguirre has led them in 18 matches, securing 12 wins, three draws, and three losses. His goal difference stands at 30 for and 14 against, alongside the aforementioned titles of the Gold Cup and Liga de Naciones.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are Javier Aguirre’s accomplishments with the Mexican national team? Aguirre has led Mexico to three titles: the 2025 Gold Cup, the 2025 Liga de Naciones CONCACAF, and the 2025 Gold Cup. He surpassed Ignacio Trelles and Manuel Lapuente, who each had two titles.
- How has Aguirre’s leadership impacted the team’s performance? Aguirre attributes the team’s success to the players’ exemplary conduct and strong connections with fans. He emphasizes their evolving playing style as a key factor in their triumphs.
- What is the significance of Mexico’s recent successes in CONCACAF tournaments? These victories help solidify Mexico’s position within CONCACAF, an area that has seen the growth of other nations like Panama, Canada, and the United States.
- How will Aguirre prepare the team for the 2026 World Cup? With limited official matches ahead, Aguirre will rely on friendly matches to identify potential players for the World Cup.
