Mexico and Colombia will face one another at AT&T Stadium on Saturday as a part of their U.S. tour in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. With expectations excessive for a aggressive conflict, there are questions over whether or not star striker Raúl Jiménez will function for El Tri.
Mexico didn’t must undergo World Cup qualifying as one of many match’s host nations, that means their most up-to-date aggressive matches got here within the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup final summer time. Nonetheless, El Tri stay targeted on testing themselves in “demanding matches, in settings the place gamers gained’t really feel comfy, to place them below strain,” as head coach Javier Aguirre defined in his pregame press convention.
Colombia, in the meantime, are coming into their first set of friendlies since ending fourth in CONMEBOL qualifying and securing their World Cup spot. As a part of their North American tour, Los Cafeteros will first face Mexico earlier than taking up Canada on Tuesday — two of the three host nations of the 2026 match.
Is Raul Jimenez enjoying towards Colombia?
Raúl Jiménez has been in robust type for Mexico not too long ago, enjoying a key position in El Tri’s 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup conquer the USMNT. The Fulham striker can be simply 10 targets shy of surpassing Javier “Chicharito” Hernández as Mexico’s all-time main scorer. Nonetheless, Jiménez should wait so as to add to his tally, as he gained’t be accessible for the match towards Colombia.
Raul Jimenez of Fulham seems injured on the ground.
Jiménez gained’t be enjoying towards Colombia as he was not included in Javier Aguirre’s October call-up after struggling a rib harm throughout Fulham’s match towards Aston Villa. Regardless of scoring the opening objective within the third minute, he was pressured off simply eight minutes later.
Whereas the difficulty just isn’t severe and he’s anticipated to return for Fulham after the worldwide break, Aguirre selected to relaxation him for these friendlies, giving different forwards corresponding to Santiago Giménez and Julián Quiñones the prospect to shine.
Projected lineups for Mexico and Colombia
Mexico’s projected lineups (4-3-3): Luis Malagón; Jorge Sánchez, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo; Carlos Rodríguez,Erik Lira, Marcel Ruiz; Hirving Lozano, Santiago Giménez, Alexis Vega.
Head coach: Javier Aguirre.
Colombia’s projected lineups (4-3-3): Kevin Mier; Álvaro Angulo, Davinson Sánchez, Yerry Mina, Daniel Muñoz; Kevin Castaño, Jefferson Lerma, Richard Ríos; Luis Díaz, Luis Suárez, James Rodríguez.
Head coach: Nestor Lorenzo.
