Rafael Márquez Takes the Helm of Mexico Amid Friendly Against Colombia

After a memorable World Cup in which Mexico exited in the round of 16 against England, a leadership change has occurred for the Mexican national team. Rafa Márquez assumes his first role as head coach, preparing to guide El Tri against Colombia in Baltimore, while Javier Aguirre focuses on averting Valencia’s relegation battle in Spain. Though Aguirre has stepped away from the national team, his influence endures, having steadied a side that had fallen behind the United States in the CONCACAF region.

Despite an earlier elimination in the round of 16 at the World Cup, Mexico—who had not reached the knockout stage since the 2018 Russia tournament—delivered a commendable run. Had they avoided England in that stage, their progression could have been even deeper. While host nations fell short of expectations, Mexico exited with pride. As reigning Gold Cup and CONCACAF Nations League champions, they entered the World Cup with high hopes and demonstrated their quality, highlighted by Julián Quiñónez’s performance at the Azteca.

How to watch Mexico vs. Colombia, odds

Date: Saturday, September 26 | Time: 9 p.m. ET
Location: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland
Live stream: Fubo TV
Odds: Mexico +154; Draw +240; Colombia +155

These circumstances place considerable expectations on Márquez, especially as Colombia may be missing James Rodríguez, adding another layer of transition. After his tenure leading Barcelona’s academy, Márquez now has the opportunity to imprint his identity on the national team, where he previously anchored the defense as a player.

Márquez has invited several players back to the national side, including Hirving Lozano and German Berterame, despite their recent MLS challenges. This camp may also provide a platform for emerging talent such as 17‑year‑old Gilberto Mora, who has recorded five goals and one assist in seven appearances for Club Tijuana since the World Cup. Armando González also aims to earn a place.

González, now playing for Olympiacos in Greece, is arguably the most talented striker to emerge for Mexico since Javier Hernández (Chicharito), yet he has not yet demonstrated readiness to assume the role of lead striker ahead of Raúl Jiménez, who remains the first-choice forward at 35. He has scored only once for his country, while Santiago Giménez is still seeking his footing at Porto. An extended three‑week camp gives Márquez the chance to integrate his squad, a promising start for his tenure. The pressure is high, but the outlook for El Tri appears encouraging as they get back on the right trajectory.

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