Rafa Márquez Set for Mexico Coaching Debut Against Colombia in Baltimore
Mexico and Colombia meet in a friendly on Saturday, September 26, in Baltimore, marking Rafa Márquez's debut as Mexico's head coach.
A Debut at M&T Bank Stadium
On Saturday, September 26, the Mexican and Colombian national teams face off at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, USA — home venue of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens. The friendly is the first match for both sides since the 2026 World Cup and, according to Terra, opens a new cycle looking ahead to the 2030 World Cup. Kickoff is set for 10 p.m. Brasília time; according to ND Mais, the match will not be broadcast in Brazil.
The headline story is Rafa Márquez's debut as Mexico's senior team head coach. The former defender had been part of the coaching staff since 2024, working alongside Javier Aguirre through the 2026 World Cup cycle, in which Mexico reached the round of 16 before losing to England. Aguirre left the post after the tournament and, per Terra, was recently announced as Valencia's new coach. Márquez called up 30 players, blending World Cup squad members with younger alternatives. Among the notable returnees is Hirving "Chucky" Lozano, who last played for the national team in November of last year following several disciplinary incidents with previous coaches, according to Terra.
Injuries forced late changes to the squad: ND Mais reports that Alan Cervantes was cut and that César Montes suffered a gluteus medius injury, replaced by Dagoberto Espinoza. However, Terra's published probable lineup still lists Montes as a starter — the two sources disagree on this point.
Baltimore also carries personal significance for Márquez: he has publicly described himself as a 49ers fan, and it was in Baltimore that San Francisco lost the 2013 Super Bowl 34-31 to the Ravens, ending its bid for a perfect season, according to TUDN. That same year, Márquez returned to Liga MX after 14 years abroad and won back-to-back titles with León. Per TUDN, Colombia is a rival Mexico has not beaten in 16 years, a stretch that includes matches in which Márquez himself played.
Colombia begins a new era
Colombia remains under Néstor Lorenzo, four years into the job. The team enters this new cycle without two long-time leaders: James Rodríguez has retired from the national team and signed with Atlético Nacional, while Luis Díaz was left out of the call-up. ND Mais attributes this to rest after a demanding season, while Terra adds that it stemmed from an agreement between the coaching staff and Bayern Munich.
Jhon Arias takes on a larger offensive role, while the defense retains experienced players Daniel Muñoz, Davinson Sánchez and Jhon Lucumí. Sources differ on the probable goalkeeper: ND Mais names Kevin Mier, while Terra lists Álvaro Montero. Match officials have not yet been announced, per Terra.
