The Mexican National Team is entering a new era following the 2026 World Cup. The team, led by Rafael Márquez, will play its first friendly match since the World Cup this Saturday against Colombia, a formidable opponent.
The match will be played at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, where Mexico and Colombia will face off once again in a game that will also mark the start of the Mexican team’s journey toward the 2030 World Cup.
Mexico heads into the match with big changes
The Mexican team will be without one player for this match, as Alan Cervantes is sidelined due to a muscle injury sustained during the Clásico Nacional against Guadalajara, a game that ended in a 2-2 draw.
Cervantes was substituted in the 51st minute, and according to information provided by Mexico’s National Teams Sports Directorate, Isaías Violante will join the squad in his place.
Mexico’s likely lineup would feature Raúl Rangel in goal; Jorge Sánchez, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, and Jesús Gallardo on defense; Erik Lira as defensive midfielder, flanked by Obed Vargas and Álvaro Fidalgo; while Roberto Alvarado, Armando González, and Hirving Lozano would form the attack.
A tough opponent in Colombia
Colombia enters the match on the back of a recent streak of positive results and with several of its key players available for this round of international friendlies.
The team, led by Néstor Lorenzo, began its training camp in the United States and, in addition to Mexico, is scheduled to face Paraguay and Peru.
For the match against Mexico, Colombia’s likely starting lineup would consist of Álvaro Montero; Daniel Muñoz, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, and Álvaro Angulo; Richard Ríos; Jhon Arias and Gustavo Puerta; while Jaminton Campaz, Luis Suárez, and Carlos Andrés Gómez would round out the attack.
Mexico look to rewrite history
Recent history favors Colombia. In their last five recorded matchups, Mexico has yet to secure a victory, with three draws and four Colombian wins, according to the data provided.
The most recent matchup also does not bode well for the Mexican team: on October 11, 2025, Colombia won 4-0 in an international friendly.
As for their most recent results, Mexico is coming off a 2-3 loss to England, a 0-0 draw against Ecuador, a 2-0 win over the Czech Republic, a 1-0 victory over South Korea, and a 2-0 win over South Africa.
Colombia, for its part, tied 0-0 with Switzerland, defeated Ghana 1-0, tied 0-0 with Portugal, beat the Congo 1-0, and defeated Uzbekistan 3-1.
What time is the Mexico vs. Colombia game?
The match will take place this Saturday, September 26, in Baltimore, United States.
Venue: M&T Bank Stadium
Date: Saturday, September
26 Time: 9:00 PM ET
In the United States, the match can be watched on TUDN USA, Univision, TUDN.com, Univision NOW, the TUDN app, and ViX.
In Mexico, the match will be broadcast on Canal 5, TUDN, Azteca 7, TUDN En Vivo, Azteca Deportes En Vivo, and ViX.
Mexico vs. Colombia Prediction
The forecast points to a closely contested match. Colombia brings consistency and a strong recent record against Mexico, while Rafael Márquez’s team is embarking on a new chapter and may feature some changes.
The projected score for this match is: Mexico 1-1 Colombia
For more information, visit our website at www.futbolmundial.com/en/.
