The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) ended its relationship with Jaime Lozano as the national team’s technical director, two weeks after the ‘Tri’ said goodbye to the Copa América in the group stage after a disappointing performance and a goalless draw against Ecuador.
The FMF’s decision came despite the fact that the sports director of the national teams, Duilio Davino, had confirmed that Lozano’s project was firm until the 2026 World Cup, where Mexico will be co-host with the United States and Canada.
But that changed after the executives analyzed Lozano’s report, due to Mexico’s performance in the Copa America where it only scored one goal in three games in Group B, finishing in third place after one win, one draw and one loss.
“Jaime Lozano was offered (along with his coaching staff) a contract until 2030 in which, during the period 2024-2026, they would accompany a more experienced technical director, and later Jaime himself would take over the reins of the technical direction in the process 2026-2030,” the FMF reported in a statement. “After analyzing the proposal, Jaime Lozano informed us that he does not wish to continue, we respect his decision, we recognize his great professionalism, ability and dedication,” it added.
The 2-0 defeat to the United States in the final of the Concacaf Nations League in March, and losses in two friendlies before the Copa America, including a tough 4-0 loss to Uruguay, also influenced the FMF’s decision.
“It is an honour for me to have had the opportunity to lead the most important team in our country. I carry in my mind and in my heart each and every one of the players and staff, and I thank them for their camaraderie, professionalism and support,” Lozano posted on his social networks. “My departure is a personal decision, due to a question of values and a difference in the direction of the agreed project. I leave with my head held high, with unique experiences and with enormous learnings,” he added.
Lozano was appointed Mexico’s coach in August 2023, two months after being named interim coach for the Gold Cup, a tournament that “El Tri” won in July of that year. In addition to leading Mexico to lift the Gold Cup in 2023, the 45-year-old coach led the Mexican national team that won the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. At club level, he managed Querétaro and Necaxa.
Lozano replaced Argentine Diego Cocca, who had been in charge for four months. Under Lozano’s management, Mexico recorded 10 wins, four draws and seven losses.
‘Vasco’ Aguirre, back?
According to press reports, Javier Aguirre will be appointed coach of the national team for the third time after having led it in the 2002 and 2010 World Cups, in which Mexico was eliminated in the round of 16.
“We reiterate that our priority is to give the Mexican fans the best national team for 2026, with a project that has clear objectives for 2030 and 2034. The first week of August we will announce the adjustments that will be implemented to the national team project to continue building in the short, medium and long term,” said the FMF.
