Efraín Juárez Returns to MLS as Coach with Pumas UNAM

VANCOUVER, Canada — Efraín Juárez is set to make his return to Major League Soccer as the head coach of Pumas UNAM during the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on April 5. Juárez, a former player with the Vancouver Whitecaps, now leads the team he once adored from the sidelines.

Juárez, 37, transitioned to coaching after a successful playing career that included stints with prominent clubs like CF América, Pumas, and international teams such as Celtic in Scotland. Notably, he was part of the Mexico national team that won the U-17 World Cup in 2005 and the Gold Cup in 2009 and 2011.

After completing his playing career, Juárez served as an assistant coach at New York City FC starting in 2020, working under Ronny Deila. His tenure there marked the beginning of his coaching identity, as he learned to navigate a multicultural team environment.

“Ronny taught me the importance of teamwork and tactical preparation,” Juárez said in an earlier interview, emphasizing the lessons he gathered during his early coaching days in MLS.

Juárez also expanded his coaching horizons in Europe, serving as an assistant at Standard Liège and Club Brugge in Belgium. His success in MLS and Colombia, where he led Atlético Nacional and secured two titles, caught the attention of Pumas UNAM, resulting in his appointment as head coach just a month ago.

Since assuming the role, Juárez has expressed a clear vision for his team’s play style, emphasizing intensity, high pressure, and adaptable tactics. “The reality is that coaches must adapt. You need to have a dynamic and aggressive style that resonates with fans,” he stated.

The upcoming match against Vancouver will see Juárez face his former MLS team in a bid to advance in the tournament. Vancouver has been impressive so far in the 2025 season, sitting atop the Western Conference standings with 13 points from six games, and recently qualified for the Champions Cup quarterfinals after a draw against CF Monterrey.

Conversely, Pumas sits tenth in Liga MX, with 17 points from 13 matches, but they hope to carry momentum from a recent 2-1 victory over Club León into this international encounter.

The match at BC Place signals more than just a game; it represents Juárez’s journey full circle and a chance to implement his unique tactics against a familiar side. As the countdown to kick-off begins, the excitement builds for what Juárez hopes will be a triumphant return and a step toward reclaiming Pumas’ stature in both Mexican and international football.