Colombia vs. Mexico: time and where to watch the friendly towards the 2026 World Cup

James Rodríguez of Colombia celebrates a goal, during a 2026 World Cup qualifying match between Colombia and Bolivia at the Metropolitan stadium in Barranquilla (Colombia).

Photo: EFE – Mauricio Dueñas Castañeda

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Colombia feel again the emotion of a World after his last participation in Russia 2018. Under the direction of the Argentine coach Nestor Lorenzothe national team faces a new stage of preparation with a view to the great challenge of 2026, trusting in a solid base of experienced footballers and the good moment of several of its international figures.

Lorenzo is committed to the maturity and leadership of Luis Diazcurrent figure of Bayern Munich; James Rodriguezreference of the Mexican Lion, and Daniel Muñozdefender of the English Crystal Palace.

They are all part of the nucleus that the Argentine strategist considers key to consolidating a balanced selection between talent, experience and renewal.

The double day of friendlies

The team is in the United States, where it will play a double round of friendlies that will serve to fine-tune the group before the return of the Qualifiers.

The first commitment will be this Saturday against Mexico, at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington (Texas)a continental classic loaded with history and emotions. Then on Tuesday Colombia will face Canada at the Red Bull Arena in New Jerseyin a duel that promises intensity and high pace.

However, not everything has been calm for the coaching staff. The Tricolor will not be able to count on several of its usual starters: the goalkeeper Camilo Vargas (Atlas, Mexico), the defender Yerry Mina (Cagliari, Italy) and the attackers John Arias (Wolverhampton, England) and John Cordoba (Krasnodar, Russia) were left out due to physical discomfort and medical precaution.

Instead, Lorenzo has chosen to make room for new faces and reward outstanding performances abroad. The winger's first call-up stands out Kevin Sernafigure of the Brazilian Fluminense, who is experiencing a great moment in South American football. Also returns Juan Camilo “Cucho” Hernándezscorer for Spanish Betis, while the defender Willer Company He comes in as a natural replacement for Mina, providing solidity and projection from the back.

Good test

With this mix of youth, experience and enthusiasm, Colombia faces a demanding test against a Mexican team that also seeks to consolidate its renewal under the command of Javier Aguirre.

The match will serve as a thermometer to measure the competitive level of the coffee team, its ability to respond to hierarchy rivals and the evolution of the Aguirre project.