La Selección Colombia opens its post-World Cup era under manager Néstor Lorenzo on Saturday, September 26, 2026, facing Mexico in an international friendly at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, United States. The opening fixture of this new cycle brings major roster turnover following the decisions of James Rodríguez and Juan Fernando Quintero to step aside in their trajectory with the Tricolor, alongside omissions of several other veteran contributors.
A Renovated Squad and Nine New Faces
With veteran pillars stepping aside and high-profile absences like Luis Díaz, Camilo Vargas, and Yerry Mina, manager Néstor Lorenzo has turned toward a younger generation. Out of 26 players called up, nine receive their first selection to the senior national team: Aldair Quintana, Edier Ocampo, Juan Manuel Rengifo, Matías Orozco, Kevin Viveros, Camilo Durán, Daniel Arcila, Samuel Velásquez, and Royer Caicedo.
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“In principle, those who have come for the first time have felt very comfortable. They have received a warm welcome from the older players,” Lorenzo said regarding the integration of the newcomers. “We have worked in volume for quite some time, focusing on concepts to sustain, instill, and consolidate, mostly tactical ones. They are young guys who have a lot of enthusiasm and give enthusiasm to us.”
The New ‘10’ and Leadership on the Pitch
The departure of James Rodríguez and Juan Fernando Quintero left an immediate vacancy for Colombia’s number 10 shirt. Both the national team setup and prior reports confirmed that Jhon Arias will take over the jersey for this fixture. Meanwhile, Davinson Sánchez will be the captain when on the field during this triple-match window.
“The idea has to be the same, the idea is the same; it is difficult for a coach to change their idea,” Lorenzo explained regarding his tactical approach without his traditional creators. “The tactical plan can change for an opponent, but the idea is the same: work with the ball, be protagonists. Without a doubt, the category of James, JuanFer, and those players is not possessed by just anyone, but adaptation to the national team means we must decide the moment. We are going to continue with the same idea, trying to improve what remained to be improved.”
Confirmed Starting XI Against Mexico
Néstor Lorenzo has finalized his starting lineup for the clash in Baltimore, blending experienced defensive anchors with emerging midfield and attacking options. Álvaro Montero starts in goal, protected by a back four featuring Daniel Muñoz, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, and Álvaro Angulo.
In midfield, Richard Ríos, Gustavo Puerta, and Kevin Castaño form the central triangle, while Jhon Arias and Carlos Gómez operate alongside them. Luis Javier Suárez anchors the attack as the central reference point.
Broadcast and Match Details
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. Fans in Colombia can follow all the action live on the open signal of Canal RCN as well as through the network’s official mobile application, marking the official television broadcast for the opening test of the new cycle.
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