Colombia begins a new cycle this Saturday, September 26, with a friendly against Mexico in Baltimore. The match, kicking off at 8:00 p.m. Colombian time at M&T Bank Stadium, marks the start of a generational renewal for Los Cafeteros following the 2026 World Cup.
Head coach Néstor Lorenzo remains in charge and has called up 26 players for this FIFA window, which also includes games against Paraguay and Peru. The squad is missing several stalwarts. James Rodríguez and Juan Fernando Quintero have retired from international duty, while Luis Díaz has been granted agreed-upon rest. Absences also include Camilo Vargas, Jefferson Lerma, and Jhon Córdoba.
A new-look lineup
A probable starting eleven shows the shift. Álvaro Montero is in goal, with a defense of Daniel Muñoz, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, and Álvaro Angulo. Gustavo Puerta, Richard Ríos, and Kevin Castaño could form the midfield engine room. In attack, options like Yaser Asprilla, Carlos Andrés Gómez, Jhon Arias, Jaminton Campaz, and Luis Suárez will vie for spots. Sánchez will take the captain's armband following James's departure.
Lorenzo outlined the philosophy behind this fresh start. "The national team is beautiful but it demands a lot," the manager said. "The lads have to come in with that mindset, no one is absolutely in or definitively out, this is a dynamic that will continue throughout this year." He added that the renewal should happen "as naturally as possible and in the most favorable context possible."
Their unbeaten streak of five matches, comprising three wins and two draws, offers a platform to experiment. Fans can check the full national team schedule on our fixtures page and the detailed squad list on squad.
The last meeting between Colombia and Mexico ended in a comprehensive 4-0 win for Los Cafeteros in October of last year. Saturday's match will be broadcast live on Caracol. With an eye on upcoming official competitions, this fixture in the United States is the first step in a transition process that will shape the immediate future of the national team.
Background and full detail: colombia.as.com
