Mexico and Colombia faced off in the United States as both teams continue their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. With James Rodriguez leading the charge, the Cafeteros secured a dominant 4-0 victory on American soil.
Colombia struck first in the 16th minute, as Jhon Lucumí found the back of the net following an accurate cross from Rodriguez on the right flank. Mexico pushed for an equalizer but struggled to create clear chances, keeping goalkeeper David Ospina largely untested between the posts.
In the second half, Colombia turned up the intensity and asserted their dominance. Rodriguez delivered a precise through ball to Luis Díaz to make it 2-0 in the 56th minute. Jefferson Lerma followed with an outstanding half-volley in the 64th, and Johan Carbonero capped the scoring with a finish that slipped through Luis Malagón’s legs in the 87th. Colombia put on a commanding performance at AT&T Stadium, finishing 4-0.
Looking ahead, Colombia will aim to maintain its strong form when they face another World Cup host, Canada, on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Mexico will try to bounce back from the heavy defeat as they prepare to take on South American rival Ecuador on the same day.
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Thank you for joining us!
That concludes the live blog! With goals from Jhon Lucumi, Luis Diaz, Jefferson Lerma, and Johan Carbonero, Colombia secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Mexico at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Full-time!
After Berterame's miss, referee Ismail Elfath picks up the ball to end the game with Colombia winning 4-0 against Mexico.
90' – Berterame misses another clear chance (0-4)
After a great control on the box, German Berterame finish strikes the post.
87' – GOAAAAAAAL FOR COLOMBIA!!! (0-4)
Johan Carbonero scores after a brilliant long ball from Juan Fernando Quintero, finishing through Luis Malagón’s legs to extend Colombia’s lead.
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85' – Lozano almost scores (0-3)
After a great individual play, Lozano played a one-two with Quinonez, but his shot went powerless to Ospina's hands.
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86' – More substitutions in Colombia (0-3)
Richard Rios and Camilo Asprilla come on to replace Jefferson Lerma and Kevin Castano.
82' – Jesus Gallardo sees the yellow card (0-3)
Jesús Gallardo is booked after protesting a penalty call involving Hirving “Chucky” Lozano.
77' – Another substitution in Mexico (0-3)
Coach Javier Aguirre makes a change, bringing Carlos Rodríguez on for Erik Lira.
74' – Gallardo's attempt goes wide (0-3)
Trying to reduce the deficit, Jesús Gallardo fires a shot, but it sails over the stands.
69' – Double substitution for Colombia (0-3)
Coach Néstor Lorenzo made two more changes: Luis Suárez and James Rodríguez off, Rafael Santos Borré and Juan Fernando Quintero on.
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67' – Double substitution for Mexico (0-3)
Aguirre makes other two modifications, bringing in Julian Quinones and German Berterame for Alexis Vega and Santiago Gimenez.
65' – Double substitution for Colombia (0-3)
After Lerma’s goal, coach Néstor Lorenzo made a double change: Luis Díaz and Kevin Serna off, Johan Carbonero and Jaminton Campaz on.
64' – TREMENDOUS GOAL FOR COLOMBIA!! (0-3)
Following a cross from James Rodríguez, Jefferson Lerma collected the rebound in the box and unleashed a tremendous half-volley, finding the back of the net to make it 3-0.
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63' – Second yellow card for Mexico (0-2)
Jorge Sanchez gets the yellow card after fouling Luis Diaz.
61' – Suarez had the third for Colombia (0-2)
With the ball loose in the box, Luis Suárez had an opportunity to make it 3-0 but missed the target.
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57' – Aguirre makes triple substitution in Mexico (0-2)
Head coach Javier Aguirre brings on fresh legs: Marcel Ruiz, Orbelin Pineda, and Diego Lainez are replaced by Luis Romo, Erick Sánchez, and Hirving “Chucky” Lozano.
56' – GOOOOAAAAL FOR COLOMBIA (0-2)
Jhon Lucumi recovers the ball, and after a precise through pass from James Rodriguez, Luis Díaz chips it over Luis Malagón to double the lead.
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53' – Mexico looking for the equalizer (0-1)
Building up from the back, Mexico is struggling to create clear chances to score the equalizing goal.
48' – First yellow card for Colombia (0-1)
After a foul over Marcelo Ruiz, the referee showed the yellow card to Colombian striker Luis Suarez.
47' – Chance for Mexico! (0-1)
After a brilliant cross from Alexis Vega, Orbelin Pineda tried a trivela shot, but David Ospina was equal to it and made the save.
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Second half underway!
Mexico and Colombia are back on the field as the second half gets underway at the AT&T Stadium.
49' – Halftime!
Colombia leads at the break thanks to Jhon Lucumi’s goal, holding a 1-0 advantage over Mexico at the AT&T Stadium.
45' – Four added minutes (0-1)
With the first 45 minutes complete, four minutes of added time have been announced.
42' – Mexico slows down the pace (0-1)
After pressing near Ospina’s goal, Mexico has slowed the pace, allowing Colombia to regain possession.
37' – Mexico controls possession but can’t break through (0-1)
Even with the ball at their feet, Mexico is struggling to test goalkeeper David Ospina.
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31' – Marcel Ruiz booked (0-1)
Referee Ismail Elfath showed a yellow card to Marcel Ruiz after he protested a foul on James Rodríguez.
27' – Willer Ditta stops Mexico with a crucial block (0-1)
Willer Ditta headed Alexis Vega’s shot off the line and fell to the ground, prompting the referee to allow medical staff onto the pitch.
22' – Mexico looking for the equalizer (0-1)
After Colombia's goal, El Tri is pushing forward to look for the equalizer.
16' – GOAAAL FOR COLOMBIA (0-1)
After a precise cross from James Rodríguez on the right flank, Jhon Lucumí met the ball in the box to score the opening goal for Colombia.
Mexico players complained to the referee over a potential foul, but VAR granted the goal.
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12' – Santiago Giménez comes close for Mexico (0-0)
After a brilliant individual effort, Santiago Giménez beat Willer Ditta in a one-on-one duel but his shot went just wide of Ospina’s goal.
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10' – James Rodriguez shoots wide! (0-0)
James Rodriguez received the ball on the edge of the box and unleashed a wonderful striker that went barely wide.
5' – Colombia controlling the possession (0-0)
With their high press in full effect, Colombia is dominating possession, while Mexico sits deep, waiting in its own half.
The match has begun!
Referee Ismail Elfath blows the whistle, and the game between Mexico and Colombia is underway.
High attendance at AT&T Stadium
Mexico and Colombia have drawn massive interest for their friendly in Arlington, Texas. 61,847 tickets have already been sold, with a total attendance of around 78,000 fans expected for Saturday night.
Head-to-head between Mexico and Colombia
Mexico and Colombia are nearly even in their head-to-head record. In the 28 games between the two national teams, Mexico has won 10, Colombia 9, and 9 ended in a draw.
Their most recent meeting took place on December 16, 2023, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, where Colombia secured a 3-2 victory over El Tri.
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Who is the referee for Mexico vs. Colombia?
Ismail Elfath has been appointed as the referee for Saturday's friendly. The U.S. official has previously overseen five Mexico matches (three draws, one win, and one loss) and three Colombia games (one win and two draws).
Match officiating team:
Referee: Ismail Elfath
1st Assistant: Corey Parker
2nd Assistant: Kyle Atkins
Fourth Official: Rubiel Vazquez
Mexico lineup confirmed!
Head coach Javier Aguirre has confirmed the lineup to face Colombia at AT&T Stadium: Andrés Malagón; Jorge Sánchez, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo; Marcel Ruiz, Erik Lira, Orbelin Pineda; Diego Lainez, Santiago Giménez, and Alexis Vega.
Colombia lineup confirmed!
Head coach Néstor Lorenzo has named the following starting lineup to face Mexico: David Ospina; Daniel Muñoz, Willer Ditta, Jhon Lucumí, Álvaro Angulo; Jefferson Lerma, Kevin Castaño, James Rodríguez; Kevin Serna, Luis Suárez, and Luis Díaz.
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David Ospina makes his return to Colombia
For the game against Mexico, Colombia head coach Néstor Lorenzo has confirmed only three starters: James Rodríguez, Luis Díaz, and the returning veteran goalkeeper David Ospina.
Ospina suffered a shoulder injury while playing for Al Nassr in January 2023 and has since struggled to regain full fitness. Now back in Colombia with Atlético Nacional, the 37-year-old is set to make his first national team appearance since, interestingly, facing Mexico on December 16, 2023.
Where are Mexico and Colombia playing?
The national teams have chosen to play the match on U.S. soil, specifically at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The venue, home to the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, has a seating capacity of 80,000.
Since its inauguration in 2009, AT&T Stadium has hosted numerous soccer events, including international friendlies and CONCACAF Gold Cup matches. In 2024, the venue reached a new milestone by hosting three Copa América games — the scoreless draw between Peru and Chile, the USMNT’s 2–0 win over Bolivia, and the quarterfinal clash between Canada and Venezuela.
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Kickoff time and how to watch
Mexico and Colombia will face off at 9:15 PM (ET).
Mexico and Colombia clash on U.S. soil in a friendly ahead of the 2026 World Cup
Welcome to our live coverage of the international friendly between Mexico and Colombia — the first matchup of the October international break. Stay tuned for key updates, highlights, and live, minute-by-minute action!
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