Who are the main candidates to replace Diego Cocca as Mexico manager?

On the morning of Monday 19 June, it was announced that Diego Cocca had been relieved of his duties as Mexico head coach after just over four months in charge (129 days, to be precise). The Argentine’s sacking has generated plenty of debate and split opinion, especially considering kick-off in the 2023 Gold Cup, for which El Tri are considered favourites, is just a matter of days away.

Cocca fired after Nations League disappointment

While few would claim to be impressed by the team’s performances in Cocca’s last two matches in charge, a heavy 3-0 loss to the United States and a hard-fought 1-0 win over Panama), the Mexican Soccer Federation’s (FMF) hasty decision to get rid of the former Atlas and Tigres boss is reminiscent of the one they took to hire him in the first place. And the worry is that their lack of patience could affect who takes the job in the future.

That said, the appointment of Jaime Lozano as interim head coach would suggest that the FMF are not in too much of a hurry to appoint a permanent boss. Lozano will have the chance to put his hat in the ring, although he will likely have to win the Gold Cup - and win it well - to have any chance of securing the job. Should he fail to do so, a host of other contenders will jump ahead of him in the queue.

Pachuca willing to release Guillermo Almada to Mexico

Pachuca manager Guillermo Almada will almost certainly be one of the candidates, with the Uruguayan having already been in contention following the departure of Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino after the 2022 World Cup and before the appointment of Cocca. According to TUDN journalist Israel Romo, Los Tuzos are well aware of the FMF’s ongoing interest and would not stand in Almada’s way if he wanted to take charge of the national team.

“As it stands, Guillermo Almada is the first choice and it will be up to him if he wants to become Mexico coach or not. Pachuca’s board of directors will allow him to decide whether he is interested in leading El Tri into the 2026 World Cup. They are open to an approach from the FMF but the Uruguayan would ultimately have the final say,” explained Romo.

Which other names are in contention?

Other names which have been mooted include those of León’s Nicolás Larcamón, Tijuana boss Miguel Herrera, who previously managed Mexico between 2013 and 2015, and Toluca’s Nacho Ambriz. FMF president Juan Carlos Rodríguez will be tasked with choosing Cocca’s successor.