Mexico vs Colombia Predicted Lineup: Santiago Gimenez Poised for Stellar Performance

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Mexico vs Colombia Predicted Lineup: Santiago Gimenez Poised for Stellar Performance

The Mexico national soccer team is set to compete against Colombia at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This match marks the first of two international friendlies scheduled for October. Head coach Javier Aguirre has indicated that he is close to finalizing “around 80%” of his roster for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. Friendly matches present a crucial opportunity for less established players to secure their spots on the final team, especially with several key players sidelined due to injuries.

Injuries Affecting Mexico’s Squad

Injuries have significantly impacted the Mexican roster, with notable players such as Raúl Jiménez, Edson Álvarez, Roberto Alvarado, and Rodrigo Huescas unavailable for selection. This situation paves the way for other talents to step up and demonstrate their capabilities against a formidable Colombian side.

Colombia’s Challenge

Under the management of Néstor Lorenzo, Colombia boasts a talented squad that will test Mexico’s capabilities. Aguirre’s team aims to extend their impressive unbeaten streak, which currently stands at nine games. Here’s a predicted lineup for Mexico’s match against Colombia.

Predicted Lineup: Mexico vs Colombia

  • GK: Luis Malagón – Has shown promise in recent Club América matches, but needs further improvement with ball distribution.
  • RB: Jorge Sánchez – Elevated to the primary right-back role due to Huescas’s injury. He impressed in the previous match against Japan.
  • CB: César Montes – A consistent presence, though he has faced challenges in recent outings.
  • CB: Johan Vásquez – This match will mark a significant moment as he captains the team, showing maturity and skill.
  • LB: Jesús Gallardo – Recognized for his reliability on the left flank, he has built a notable career over the past decade.
  • CM: Marcel Ruiz – Emerging star from Toluca, he has made substantial contributions in Liga MX.
  • CM: Erik Lira – Set to take Álvarez’s usual midfield role, praised for his performance throughout 2025.
  • CM: Carlos Rodríguez – Under pressure to prove his worth, especially with rising competition from younger players in the U-20 World Cup.
  • RW: Hirving Lozano – After a notable season with San Diego FC in MLS, he now has a chance to participate in his third World Cup.
  • LW: Alexis Vega – The standout player in Liga MX, tasked with spearheading Mexico’s attack with impressive stats from recent games.
  • ST: Santiago Gimenez – Set for a breakout performance, especially in Jiménez’s absence, following a strong showing in his last international match.

As Mexico prepares for this clash, they can count on their depth and talent to achieve a strong result against Colombia, reinforcing their efforts as they gear up for the World Cup.