France and Morocco face off in Boston for a place in the semifinals

Joel Huiqui is no longer interim. After winning the Clausura 2026 and signing for two years with Cruz Azul, the strategist was confident in his new role.

“I waited for it many years ago. I have been working on it from home, since my preparation as a coach. I feel happy. Today, I believe it; officially, I am the coach of Cruz Azul,” he stated.

Huiqui took over the team at a difficult time and won the title. Now, with a signed contract, a new stage begins. The board trusts its project.

The immediate challenge: defend the championship in the Apertura 2026. The fans expect continuity in performance.

With this appointment, Huiqui joins the list of Mexican coaches leading a Liga MX great. His record of perseverance inspires many.

Relay on the tricolor bench

The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) made official this day the appointment of Rafael Márquez as the new technical director of the National Team. The appointment comes after participation in the 2026 World Cup and the departure of Javier Aguirre, fulfilling the plan drawn up in August 2024.

“You have a good base, you have young and experienced players, who are going to be important in this transition stage. It is not time to slow down, but to accelerate,” Márquez declared in an official interview.

Historical continuity

For the first time in Mexican soccer, a coach takes the reins of the Tricolor after a World Cup to follow up on the project. Márquez, who was Aguirre’s assistant during the process towards 2026, assured that he will take advantage of that continuity.

“I am excited and eager to make the Mexican player better,” said the former captain of the national team in five World Cups.

The commissioner of the FMF, Mikel Arriola, explained that the decision is part of the Sports Project 2030. Márquez asked the fans for confidence: “I am committed to raising the level of the team.”

Atlas Reaction

The club that trained Márquez, Atlas, dedicated a message to him: “All the success in this new stage! Let’s continue leaving the red and black colors at the top, ‘Kaiser’.”

Márquez debuted with the Zorros in 1996 and closed his career in 2018 after a return in 2016. Now, with an award-winning career as a player, he begins his time as Tricolor strategist.

From euphoria to concentration

The Belgian team left the celebrations and controversies behind after beating the United States 4-1. Now, the Red Devils focus all their attention on Spain, their rival in the World Cup quarterfinals.

The team trained in Los Angeles with renewed confidence. After coming back against Senegal and dominating the hosts, Belgium faces its most demanding test: a Spain that has yet to concede a goal in the tournament.

“We gained a lot of confidence. We knew it would be a difficult match against the United States, but we performed well in defense and attack,” declared goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

No distractions

The controversies of the previous game were left behind. The dance that several players performed, associated with President Donald Trump, generated comments, but the team assures that it only celebrated the victory.

“There are different ways to celebrate. We only celebrate the victory,” explained full-back Diego Moreira.

Courtois clarified that he was not present in the locker room during the celebrations because he was undergoing anti-doping control.

Change of headquarters and focus

Belgium moved its training session from Wednesday after considering that the assigned fields did not meet standards. The Royal Belgian Football Association issued a statement on the matter.

Looking ahead to Friday’s match at SoFi Stadium, the Belgians assume the role of underdogs. Courtois recalled the victory against Brazil in Russia 2018 as a precedent.

“They were favorites, but now we are a great team. The match against Senegal showed our ability to believe until the end,” he said.

Belgium trusts in its collective game to challenge a Spain that is unstoppable.