FIFA has declared the upcoming September/October international window after the 2026 World Cup to be a combined window, that allows international teams, including Mexico, to schedule up to 4 official matches in the window, rather than the typical two. Under Rafa Marquez for the first time, Mexico’s El Tri will play four games in front of their fanbase in the United States.
Rafa Marquez Leads Mexico Into Battle
Rafa Marquez has lead Mexico many times as a player, and even as an assistant coach under Javier Aguirre during the last World Cup cycle, but he will begin to imprint his vision on El Tri as a manager in September with credible media reports announcing late September matchups in the northeast United States against Colombia and Peru, followed by October contests in the western United States against the United States and Chile.
At least two of these friendlies will have a strong competitive edge about them, with Colombia fans always showing in numbers in the United States, and Mexico’s greatest rival being the United States. A (relatively) large Peruvian population in the New York City metro area is also likely to drive ticket sales for that matchup.
Marquez is not likely to pick an identical set of players as the 26 who were taken to the World Cup, rather, because these are friendlies for a new era, Mexico will consider giving an elevated role to some of their younger and emerging players such a as Pachuca midfielder Elias Montiel (20) and Chivas striker Hormiga Gonzalez. The other big question for Marquez’s team is whether they will showcase more of an attacking style, after playing very practical football under Javier Aguirre.
Debate Continues about Mexico Home Matches Played In The United States
The Mexican federation’s deal with SUM continues, and it mandates that Mexico plays more games in the United States than on Mexican soil. After five massive World Cup games played by Mexico within the nation’s borders, four of them victories for El Tri before they were eliminated by England in the round of 16, Mexico will return to the United States, and the familiar stomping grounds of Phoenix and Los Angeles, while trips to Baltimore/DC and the New York City metro are less common.
Mexico’s federation makes significant money playing home games in the United States, and ultimately there are millions of El Tri supporters living in the United States, as evidenced by both the strong attendance at games, and great tv ratings for both El Tri and Liga MX.
While the World Cup showcased three great Liga MX stadiums, Estadio Azteca in CDMX, Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, and Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico supporters residing within the nation’s borders remain more likely to catch El Tri stars like Gilberto Mora playing weekly in the domestic Liga MX.
A Look at The Opposition
CONEMBOL sides Chile and Peru are undergoing a dead period in terms of the quality of their national teams, the two countries finished bottom in the World Cup qualifying tournament and El Tri will be clear favorites even if they opt for a “b side” squad.
Chile has shown signs of life in 2026, winning friendlies over Cape Verde and DR Congo, two World Cup sides, and holding Portugal to a 2-1 result. However, they haven’t kept a clean sheets in their last five matches. There’s no obvious “star” on Chile anymore, Lucas Cepeda is 23, has 4 goals for the national team and plays for Elche in Spain, while Captain Gabriel Suazo is a defender for Sevilla.
Peru has played four matches in 2026, with their only win coming against Haiti in Miami in June. Their next four games will be against teams who reached the World Cup round of 32 or better. There’s again a lack of superstars in this squad, with many playing their football in Peru’s domestic league that lacks a strong reputation. Peru are a side that has struggled offensively.
Colombia and the United States will be the anticipated matches, Team USA are aiming to continue to build on their World Cup performance, winning their group and reaching the last 16, matching Mexico’s result, and any opportunity to play Mexico is highly anticipated by American players.
Colombia recently renewed manager Nestor Lorenzo and the question remains whether Lorenzo is ready to launch a new era after a round of 16 World Cup exit. Colombia beat Mexico 4-0 in 2025, but with James Rodriguez 35, it’s players like Vasco da Gama’s Andres Gomez and Galatasaray’s Yaser Asprilla, all under 25, who could now get the spotlight.
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images
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