A new generation begins its journey under El Káiser.
Mexico City, Mexico.
Rafael Márquez has unveiled his first squad as head coach of Mexico’s national football team, selecting 30 players for four international friendlies against Colombia, Peru, the United States and Chile. The announcement marks the beginning of a new chapter following the 2026 FIFA World Cup and introduces a combination of established internationals and emerging talent. Seventeen players from the World Cup squad have retained their places, while several younger footballers will receive opportunities to establish themselves. Márquez will make his managerial debut against Colombia in Baltimore on September 26.
The selection reflects an approach that combines continuity with gradual renewal. Márquez previously served as assistant coach under Javier Aguirre and has emphasized his intention to build upon the foundations established during their collaboration. His familiarity with the players and the national team’s environment provides a starting point for developing his own tactical identity. The immediate challenge is to translate that experience into a coherent system while evaluating candidates for future international competitions.
One of the major developments is the return of Hirving Lozano, who missed the World Cup following a difficult period at San Diego FC. The 31-year-old winger has resumed his career with LA Galaxy and now receives another opportunity to represent Mexico. Germán Berterame, currently playing for Inter Miami, also returns to the squad after several months without international appearances. Both selections expand the attacking options available to the coaching staff.
Youth development occupies an equally important place in the announcement. Gilberto Mora, the emerging midfielder from Club Tijuana, remains among the players attracting attention through his performances in domestic football. Armando González, currently playing for Olympiacos, joins the attacking group alongside Santiago Giménez. Santiago Sandoval and Hugo Camberos have also earned opportunities following their performances in Mexico’s youth national team.
Several established players are absent. Raúl Jiménez and Julián Quiñones have been excluded because of injuries, while midfielder Edson Álvarez will miss the international window amid limited playing time at West Ham United and personal considerations. Guillermo Ochoa is also absent, opening opportunities for Raúl Rangel, Álex Padilla and Óscar García in goal. Their inclusion allows Márquez to evaluate alternative options without immediately establishing a definitive hierarchy.
Mexico will begin its four-match tour against Colombia before facing Peru on September 29, the United States on October 3 and Chile on October 6. All four fixtures will take place in the United States, providing an opportunity to assess the squad against opponents with different tactical characteristics. The coaching staff will use the matches to observe established internationals alongside players seeking greater responsibility.
For Márquez, the transition from assistant to head coach represents a change in responsibility. His first selection establishes the personnel available for the opening stage, but the team’s direction will emerge through training, tactical adjustments and competitive performances.
The international window offers an opportunity to assess how experience and emerging talent can coexist within Mexico’s evolving national team.
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