The Mexican Football Federation announced today the appointment of coach Javier Aguirre to coach the national team, replacing Jaime Lozano, who was dismissed from his position last week. The Mexican Football Federation said in a statement: "We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Javier Aguirre as technical director of the national team." Legendary former player Rafael Marquez will be Aguirre's assistant, in an additional effort to boost Mexico's chances at the 2026 World Cup, which it will host jointly with the United States and Canada. Aguirre, 65, coached Mexico at the 2002 and 2010 World Cups, leading them to the second round on both occasions. He has also coached the Japanese and Egyptian national teams, in addition to a series of Spanish clubs including Atletico Madrid, Espanyol and Real Mallorca.