Mexico national team coach Jaime Lozano has left the position, according to a statement from the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) on Tuesday.
Lozano, 45, was officially named the coach in August 2023 after predecessor Diego Cocca was fired after just seven games in charge.
Lozano ends his tenure with Mexico after 21 games (including six as interim manager) and after Mexico’s disappointing performance at the 2024 Copa América in the United States. Mexico was eliminated in the group stage of the tournament, finishing with one win over Jamaica, a loss to Venezuela and a draw with Ecuador.
Reports began to circulate after Mexico crashed out of the Copa América that Lozano would be replaced by veteran Mexican manager Javier Aguirre. The 65-year-old Aguirre coached Mexico at the 2002 and 2010 World Cup and is highly regarded in Mexico. He last coached La Liga side Mallorca from 2022 to 2024.
In a statement on Tuesday evening, the FMF did not name a successor but explained that Lozano and his staff had been offered a role as part of the next manager’s technical team. Had Lozano accepted that role, he would have then been named the head coach of Mexico for the 2026-2030 World Cup cycle.
“After evaluating the offer, Jaime Lozano informed us that he did not wish to stay one,” the statement read. “We respect his decision, his professionalism and work ethic.”
La Federación Mexicana de Futbol agradece y reconoce el compromiso y entrega de Jaime Lozano. Hoy termina su etapa como Director Técnico de la Selección Nacional Mayor. Esperamos lo mejor para su carrera profesional y personal. pic.twitter.com/HciqORROcp
— Federación Mexicana de Fútbol (@FMF) July 17, 2024
In the statement, the FMF the organization would detail the team’s short-term and long-term future during the first week of August.
Lozano leaves the post with a 47.62 winning percentage, having recorded 10 wins, four draws and seven losses. He led Mexico to the 2023 Gold Cup title, but lost to the United States in the 2024 CONCACAF Nations League final last March.
Required reading
(Photo: Steph Chambers / Getty)
