# Mexico's World Cup Honeymoon Ends

> Mexico's World Cup success fades as coach Rafa Márquez faces blame for recent losses.
- Title: Mexico's World Cup Honeymoon Ends · the Guardian | Shortify
- Summary: Mexico's World Cup success fades as coach Rafa Márquez faces blame for recent losses. Mexico's World Cup team struggles after losing to the US and Chile…
- Keywords: mexico, world cup, rafa marquez, el tri, mexico national team, friendly matches, coaching change, sports, Mexico's, World, Cup, Honeymoon
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/08/mexico-soccer-team-rafael-marquez
- Published: 2026-10-08T11:22:24+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mexico, world cup, rafa marquez, el tri, mexico national team, friendly matches, coaching change, sports
## Mexico's World Cup Honeymoon Ends
Mexico's World Cup success fades as coach Rafa Márquez faces blame for recent losses.
## Rafa Márquez's First Month
Rafael 'Rafa' Márquez, former star player turned coach, is only a month into his tenure with Mexico's national team.
## Recent Losses
Mexico lost 3-0 to the United States and 2-0 to Chile in their first four friendly matches.
## Mexican Press Reaction
Mexican newspapers report Márquez's hiring was a mistake after Mexico's poor friendly results.
## World Cup Context
Mexico beat Ecuador in the World Cup last-32 before losing to England, ending a 40-year underperformance streak.
## Coach's Challenges
Márquez inherited fewer Mexican players in top European leagues and a shallow bench for the national team.
## Analyst View
TV Azteca analyst Álvaro López Sordo says Mexico's problem is not lack of good players but enough of them.
## Recent Match Analysis
Mexico drew 1-1 with Colombia and Peru, showing improved style but lacking key players against the US.
## Blame and Questions
Questions arise about whether to keep Márquez or replace him after recent losses.
## Key takeaway

Mexico's World Cup team struggles after losing to the US and Chile, with questions about coach Rafa Márquez's effectiveness.