World Cup co-hosts Mexico continue their ramp-up towards next summer's milestone tournament with a pair of October friendlies against Colombia and Australia.
First up are Los Cafeteros at JerryWorld outside Dallas on Saturday, with El Tri hoping to push their unbeaten run to double digits.
Head coach Javier Aguirre has prioritized pragmatism since the summer, with Mexico avoiding defeat in nine straight games dating back to the 4-2 loss to Switzerland prior to the Gold Cup. They lifted the trophy in that CONCACAF tournament, and most recently played to a pair of draws in their September friendlies against Japan and South Korea.
They now face a tough test in 13th-ranked Colombia, their highest-ranked opponent since falling 3-2 to Brazil in a friendly back in June of 2024. Colombia finished third in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings, one point back of second-placed Ecuador and 10 back of runaway winners Argentina.
The Sporting News runs through the latest team news and injury updates for both sides as the match draws nearer.
Mexico vs. Colombia lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injuries
Mexico head coach has rotated significantly in midfield over the past few international windows, hoping to find the right mix of players around regular No. 6 Edson Alvarez. Rising into a consistent role is Marcel Ruiz, while the third spot rotates through Orbelin Pineda, Erick Sanchez, Carlos Rodriguez, and Erik Lira.
Former superstar Hirving "Chucky" Lozano is back in the national team fold thanks to good club form in his debut season at San Diego FC, with three goals and two assists in his last eight MLS appearances.
Gold Cup final starter Gilberto Mora is not with the group as he is part of the U-20 World Cup squad, along with Obed Vargas. Forward Cesar Huerta is back with the team after withdrawing from the September camp due to an undisclosed injury.
Mexico predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Malagon (GK) — J. Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, Gallardo — Pineda, Ruiz, Alvarez — Vega, Jimenez, Alvarado.
Injured: None.
Suspended: None.
Full Mexico squad
Goalkeepers: Carlos Acevedo, Luis Malagon, Raul Rangel.
Defenders: Kevin Alvarez, Mateo Chavez, Jesus Gallardo, Ramon Juarez, Cesar Montes, Jorge Sanchez, Israel Reyes, Johan Vasquez.
Midfielders: Alexis Gutierrez, Erik Lira, Orbelin Pineda, Carlos Rodriguez, Luis Romo, Marcel Ruiz, Erick Sanchez.
Forwards: German Berterame, Santiago Gimenez, Cesar Huerta, Diego Lainez, Hirving Lozano, Julian Quinones, Alexis Vega.
At 34 years old, James Rodriguez continues to trudge on, and will be in line for his 119th and 120th international caps if he were to appear in both matches this international window.
He is joined by Luis Diaz, who may not sport an imposing international goals tally with 19 in 66 matches, but has been in good international form through recent months, scoring five and assisting three more through his past 11 World Cup qualifiers, including goals against Argentina and Brazil.
Colombia head coach Nestor Lorenzo has left September call-ups Jhon Cordoba, Dayro Moreno, Jhon Arias, Santiago Arias, and Jorge Carrascal off the October roster in favor of uncapped players Kevin Serna and Johan Carbonero plus 21-year-old Girona winger Yaser Asprilla, who has not been called in for a year.
Colombia predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Mier (GK) — Munoz, D. Sanchez, Mina, Angulo — Rios, Lerma, Castano — J. Rodriguez, Suarez, Diaz.
Injured: None.
Suspended: None.
Full Colombia squad
Goalkeepers: Kevin Mier, Alvaro Montero, David Ospina.
Defenders: Alvaro Angulo, Jhon Lucumi, Yerry Mina, Johan Mojica, Yerson Mosquera, Daniel Munoz, Andres Roman, Davinson Sanchez.
Midfielders: Yaser Asprilla, Jaminton Campaz, Kevin Castano, Jefferson Lerma, Juan Portillo, Juan Fernando Quintero, Richard Rios, James Rodriguez, Kevin Serna.
Forwards: Rafael Santos Borre, Johan Carbonero, Luis Diaz, Cucho Hernandez, Luis Suarez.
Mexico vs. Colombia match details
- Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 8 p.m. local (7:30 p.m. IST, Sunday)
- Location: AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX)
- Last meeting: Colombia 3-2 Mexico (Sep. 27, 2022 | International Friendly)