Tata Martino has stepped down as head coach of the Mexican national team following their exit from the 2022 World Cup.

Despite beating Saudi Arabia 2-1 on Wednesday, El Tri finished third in Group C on four points, behind second-place Poland on goal difference. Mexico had previously made the World Cup knockout stages in each of the last eight tournaments they’d competed in dating back to 1978.

„My contract ended as soon as the referee blew the final whistle and there is nothing more to be done,“ Martino said after the match, adding: „I am first responsible for this terrible disappointment and frustration that we have. As the person in charge, it causes a lot of sadness. I fully assume responsibility for this great failure.“

Martino departs following a 66-game spell with Mexico, leading them to 42 victories, 12 draws, and 12 defeats at a win rate of 63.64%.

However, it’s hard to deny that Martino oversaw a slump in fortunes, with El Tri losing to the United States in the finals of the Gold Cup and Concacaf Nations League in 2021, while they only managed to finish second in World Cup qualifying behind Canada.

That said, Martino – who managed Barcelona between 2013 and 2014 – won’t be short of interested parties given his previous successes, which include leading Atlanta United to MLS Cup in 2018 and winning top-flight titles in both Argentina and Paraguay.