The Colombia national team is entering a new era without James Rodríguez and Juan Fernando Quintero, with coach Néstor Lorenzo outlining the game plan ahead of Saturday's friendly against Mexico in Baltimore. Lorenzo confirmed eleven players will make their debut in this match, the first for the side since their round of 16 exit to Switzerland at the 2026 World Cup.
"The idea has to be the same," said Lorenzo. "It's very hard for a coach to change; a plan can change, depending on the opponent, but the idea is the same." This philosophy remains despite the retirement of two of its historic creative forces.
The new number 10 and the fresh faces
The major news in the squad is the shirt number. Jhon Arias, the Palmeiras midfielder and the most expensive signing of the recent Brazilian transfer window, inherits the number 10 jersey vacated by James Rodríguez. Arias has been a regular starter under Lorenzo since 2023 and now takes on a role with greater responsibility. In total, nine players have received their first call-up for this FIFA window.
Notable absentees also include Luis Díaz, who has been rested. The team arrives in good form, unbeaten in their last five matches with three wins and two draws.
The match against Mexico, managed by Rafa Márquez, will serve as the first test for this renewed Colombia side. The game will be played at M&T Bank Stadium and broadcast on Caracol TV and RCN. After this fixture, Colombia will travel to New Jersey to face Paraguay on October 2nd, before closing the tour against Peru in Miami four days later. All updated squad information is available in our squad section.
Background and full detail: El Colombiano Deportes
