Mexico is entering a new era, with Rafa Marquez taking the helm of the national team.
The former El Tri midfielder and defender served as an assistant under Javier Aguirre as the team went to the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, which Mexico co-hosted with the U.S. and Canada.
Watch Mexico vs. Colombia on Fubo
While that team didn't reach the long-awaited quarterfinals, it did repair the relationship between the national team and fans in the country
.Now, it's up to Marquez to continue that connection, and it starts with a contest against a tough South American opponent in Colombia.
Many of the regulars at the World Cup are back, with several veterans surprisingly included in a team fans thought might be a youth movement. Toluca left back Jesus
Gallardo and LA Galaxy winger Hirving Lozano were Marquez's teammates at the 2018 World Cup, and both were included in this squad.
But so too are Mexico's likely future stars: Tijuana teenager Gilberto Mora, Olympiacos forward Armando "Hormiga" Gonzalez and Atlético Madrid midfielder Obed Vargas.
While both members of the center-back pairing that stood out during the World Cup were called in, Cesar Montes had to be replaced because of an injury.
Who will get the nod from Marquez in the opener? Here's how El Tri could line up:
Mexico national team projected starting lineup vs. Colombia
Goalkeeper: Raul "Tala" Rangel
Defenders: Denzell Garcia, Víctor Guzmán, Johan Vásquez, Jesus Gallardo
Midfielders: Gilberto Mora, Erik Lira, Alvaro Fidalgo
Forwards: Roberto Alvarado, Armando "Hormiga" Gonzalez, Hirving Lozano
How to watch Mexico national team vs. Colombia
- When: Saturday, Sept. 26
- Where: M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore)
- Time: 9 p.m. ET
- Channel/streaming: Univision (Watch LIVE on Fubo), TUDN USA, ViX (Watch on Prime Video)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mexico projected starting lineup vs. Colombia: How will El Tri line up under Rafa Marquez?
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