Mexico vs Colombia: Rafa Márquez Begins His Mexico Coaching Era

Rafa Márquez begins Mexico coaching era against Colombia

Mexico begin a new international cycle under Rafael Márquez when they face Colombia on Saturday, September 26, in Baltimore. The friendly is Márquez’s first match as Mexico’s head coach and an early test of how he wants the national team to play.

Márquez arrives with extensive experience as a former Mexico captain and a coach who worked within the national-team setup. His first squad includes several players from the group that represented Mexico during the 2026 World Cup, alongside younger options.

Why Mexico vs Colombia matters

The match is officially a friendly, but it carries significance because it starts Márquez’s tenure. Mexico are already looking toward the next World Cup cycle, making the September fixtures an opportunity to assess players and establish tactical ideas.

Colombia also enter a new phase after the departure of James Rodríguez from the national-team picture. That gives the match an additional storyline as both sides work with changing squads.

Márquez’s first test

Mexican reports say Márquez has been working through tactical adjustments and has been managing injuries within the squad. Gilberto Mora has been highlighted as a possible creative option, while experienced players remain important to the transition.

Read more international football coverage on Spain’s World Cup story and our France and Mbappé report.

What to watch

• Mexico’s tactical shape under Márquez.
• How younger players respond to the new system.
• Colombia’s approach after its recent leadership changes.
• Which players establish themselves early in the new cycle.

Frequently asked questions

When is Mexico vs Colombia?

The friendly is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Baltimore.

Is this Rafa Márquez’s Mexico debut?

Yes. The match marks the start of Márquez’s tenure as Mexico’s head coach.

Sources: Forbes México and El País México.

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