Mexico vs Colombia will open a new international cycle when the teams meet in a friendly at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland.
The match is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, with kickoff listed for 9 p.m. local time in Baltimore and 8 p.m. in Colombia.
The fixture is part of Mexico’s preparation schedule and gives Rafa Márquez his first match as head coach of the Mexican senior men’s team.
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Mexico vs Colombia details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Mexico vs Colombia |
| Date | Saturday, September 26, 2026 |
| Venue | M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland |
| Competition | International friendly |
| Kickoff | 9 p.m. Baltimore time |
The Mexican federation lists the game as a preparation match rather than a competitive tournament fixture.
Colombia’s football federation has also confirmed the Baltimore meeting as the first match of its September international window.
Rafa Márquez begins Mexico rebuild
The match represents the start of Márquez’s tenure with Mexico’s senior team after the federation appointed him to lead the side into the next World Cup cycle.
Márquez is taking over after Mexico’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the team now looking ahead to the 2030 tournament.
The former Mexico captain brings extensive experience as a player and has previously worked within the national-team setup.
His opening selection includes a blend of established internationals and players expected to compete for larger roles during the new cycle.
The friendly will offer an early indication of how Márquez approaches the team’s structure, player rotation and attacking options.
Colombia brings a strong test
Colombia arrives under head coach Néstor Lorenzo, who continues to oversee a squad built around experienced South American internationals.
The Colombians are also using the fixture to assess their group after the 2026 World Cup and before the next phase of international competition.
The teams have met frequently in recent years, including friendlies that have produced competitive and high-scoring matches.
That recent history gives the Baltimore game added significance despite its non-competitive status.
What to expect from the match
Mexico is expected to benefit from strong support in the United States, where the national team regularly attracts large crowds among Mexican and Mexican-American fans.
Colombia also has a substantial fan base in the United States, making the fixture likely to feature support for both sides inside M&T Bank Stadium.
- Mexico will begin a new coaching era under Márquez.
- Colombia will test its squad against a familiar regional opponent.
- The match will count as an international friendly rather than a World Cup qualifier.
- Both teams are expected to use the game to evaluate players for the next cycle.
The result will not affect World Cup qualification standings, but performances could influence future call-ups and tactical decisions.
Mexico and Colombia schedule continues
The Baltimore match is the first in a sequence of preparation games for Mexico during the September and October international windows.
Mexico is scheduled to face Peru, the United States and Chile in additional fixtures following the Colombia game.
Colombia has also arranged further friendlies in the United States as it continues its post-World Cup planning.
For both teams, the Baltimore meeting is therefore an early checkpoint rather than a standalone event.
Supporters should confirm local broadcast listings and kickoff times before the match, as schedules can vary by country and platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Mexico vs Colombia being played?
Mexico vs Colombia is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026.
Where will Mexico vs Colombia be played?
The friendly will be held at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland.
What time does Mexico vs Colombia start?
Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. local time in Baltimore and 8 p.m. in Colombia.
Is Mexico vs Colombia a competitive match?
No. It is an international friendly and will not count as a World Cup qualifier or tournament match.
Why is the match important for Mexico?
It is Rafa Márquez’s first match as Mexico’s senior men’s head coach and the opening game of a new international cycle.
Fact-Checked: Key match details were checked against the official Mexican and Colombian football federation schedules and the stadium announcement.
Disclaimer: Kickoff times, broadcast arrangements and lineups may change before the match.