<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/mexico/">Mexico</a> and Colombia will face each other at AT&amp;T Stadium on Saturday as part of their U.S. tour in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. With expectations high for a competitive clash, there are questions over whether star striker <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/raul-jimenez/">Raúl Jiménez</a> will feature for El Tri.



Mexico didn’t need to go through World Cup qualifying as one of the tournament’s host nations, meaning their most recent competitive matches came in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup last summer. Still, El Tri remain focused on testing themselves in “demanding matches, in settings where players won’t feel comfortable, to put them under pressure,” as head coach Javier Aguirre explained in his pregame press conference.



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/colombia/">Colombia</a>, meanwhile, are entering their first set of friendlies since finishing fourth in CONMEBOL qualifying and securing their World Cup spot. As part of their North American tour, Los Cafeteros will first face Mexico before taking on Canada on Tuesday — two of the three host nations of the 2026 tournament.



<h2>Is Raul Jimenez playing against Colombia?</h2>



Raúl Jiménez has been in strong form for Mexico recently, playing a key role in El Tri’s 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup triumph over the USMNT. The Fulham striker is also just 10 goals shy of surpassing Javier “Chicharito” Hernández as Mexico’s all-time leading scorer. However, Jiménez will have to wait to add to his tally, as he won’t be available for the match against Colombia.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251011_WST_596428_raul-jimenez-fulham-1200x675_d6f888b4.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="Raul Jimenez of Fulham appears injured on the floor." class="wp-image-596459" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Raul Jimenez of Fulham appears injured on the floor.</figcaption></figure>



Jiménez won’t be playing against Colombia as he was not included in Javier Aguirre’s October call-up after suffering a rib injury during Fulham’s match against Aston Villa. Despite scoring the opening goal in the third minute, he was forced off just eight minutes later.



While the issue is not serious and he’s expected to return for Fulham after the international break, Aguirre chose to rest him for these friendlies, giving other forwards such as Santiago Giménez and Julián Quiñones the chance to shine.



<h2>Projected lineups for Mexico and Colombia</h2>



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.

Is Raul Jimenez playing? Projected lineups for Mexico vs Colombia in friendly game in the USA

Is Raul Jimenez playing? Projected lineups for Mexico vs Colombia in friendly game in the USA - World Soccer Talk

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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/raul-jimenez/">Raúl Jiménez</a> was one of Mexico’s heroes in Tuesday’s friendly against South Korea, scoring in a 2-2 draw as El Tri continue preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which they will co-host with the US and Canada. Following the game, the Fulham striker shared an important message about the team’s expectations moving forward.



Fresh off their 2025 Gold Cup triumph in July, Mexico returned to action this month with back-to-back friendlies — first a scoreless draw with Japan, followed by a dramatic 2-2 against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/south-korea/">South Korea</a>. Jiménez opened the scoring, but South Korea struck back with goals in the 65th and 75th minutes before Santiago Giménez salvaged a draw with a stoppage-time equalizer in the 92nd.



Speaking in the mixed zone afterward, captain Jiménez praised El Tri’s performance while stressing the need for growth. “Yes, I think we took a lot of good things from both games, things we obviously need to keep improving. But that’s football — there are no easy matches. We’ll keep preparing for what’s really important, which comes in a year.”



The striker also underlined the value of facing strong international competition as <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/mexico/">Mexico</a> gears up for 2026. “Yes, it’s always important to face this kind of opponent who are already qualified for the World Cup, the kind of rivals you might run into there. And, like I said, it’s about continuing to improve certain aspects and doing things the right way,” he added.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250911_WST_589995_raul-jimenez-mexico-south-korea-1200x675_bdd7f3e7.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="Raul Jimenez #9 of Mexico and Minjae Kim #4 of South Korea battle for the ball during the first half of the match at GEODIS Park on September 09, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee." class="wp-image-590039" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Raul Jimenez #9 of Mexico and Minjae Kim #4 of South Korea battle for the ball during the first half of the match at GEODIS Park on September 09, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.</figcaption></figure>



After wrapping up their US tour with two draws, head coach Javier Aguirre noted that the squad has a solid foundation but remains a work in progress. A total of 35 players have been tested so far, and Aguirre suggested more changes could be on the way. Up next, Mexico will face Colombia in Arlington on October 11 before returning home to Guadalajara to play Ecuador on October 14.


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<h2>Raúl Jiménez closing in on scoring record</h2>



Jiménez’s goal against South Korea wasn’t just another tally in a friendly — it brought him one step closer to history. The Fulham striker now sits on 44 international goals, just two behind Jared Borgetti (46) for second place on Mexico’s all-time scoring list. Javier “Chicharito” Hernández remains the nation’s all-time leader with 52 goals in 109 appearances.



With eight goals separating him from Chicharito, Jiménez will have plenty of chances to climb the ranks. Mexico are guaranteed at least eight more friendlies before the 2026 World Cup, plus three group-stage matches at the tournament itself. At 34, Jiménez still has time to leave his mark as one of El Tri’s greatest scorers.

Raul Jimenez sends important message to Mexico after 2-2 against South Korea

Raul Jimenez sends important message to Mexico after 2-2 against South Korea - World Soccer Talk

Trailing since the 4th minute, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/mexico/">Mexico</a> sought an equalizer against the USMNT in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup final. Star striker Raul Jimenez delivered, leveling the score and paying tribute to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/diogo-jota/">Diogo Jota</a>.



The goal came after Jesus Gallardo delivered a ball down the left flank to Marcel Ruiz, who threaded a perfectly timed pass into the box. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/raul-jimenez/">Jimenez</a> latched onto it and fired a powerful left-footed strike that deflected off Tim Ream, beating the goalkeeper and leveling the game in the 27th minute.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">RAUL JIMENEZ LEVELS THE SCORE FOR MEXICO 🇲🇽 GAME. ON. 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/6sIe0ZDL5G">pic.twitter.com/6sIe0ZDL5G</a>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1942004616214069498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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In his celebration, Jimenez honored his former Wolverhampton Wanderers teammate, Diogo Jota. Donning a Mexico shirt with Jota’s name on the back, he sat down on the pitch and mimicked Jota’s signature joystick celebration—a heartfelt tribute to the late Portuguese star.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Raúl Jiménez honors Diogo Jota after his goal for Mexico ❤️🎮 The two were teammates at Wolverhampton 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/0FQz0uY6Uf">pic.twitter.com/0FQz0uY6Uf</a>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1942004975883919843?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Jimenez wore the Jota tribute shirt as he walked out of the tunnel with his teammates before kickoff. After scoring the equalizer, he immediately ran to the sideline to retrieve it, using the emotional moment on the sport’s biggest regional stage to honor his late friend.



<h2>Jimenez’s message to Jota</h2>



After joining Wolves in 2018, Raul Jimenez spent two seasons alongside Diogo Jota before the latter moved to Liverpool in 2020. As attacking partners, the two shared memorable moments—making the tragic news of Jota’s passing all the more difficult for the Mexican striker to process.


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Jiménez was among the first players to post a heartfelt tribute on social media: “It’s hard to receive this kind of news, and I still can’t believe it. An excellent teammate, friend, and above all, a great father. Thank you for everything, my friend—we will always remember you. A hug to heaven. Rest in peace.”

Video: Raul Jimenez replicates Diogo Jota’s celebration in tribute after equalizer vs. USMNT in Gold Cup final

Video: Raul Jimenez replicates Diogo Jota’s celebration in tribute after equalizer vs. USMNT in Gold Cup final - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/raul-jimenez/">Raul Jimenez</a> continues to cement his place in Premier League history, solidifying his reputation as one of Mexico’s greatest strikers. On Matchday 20 against Ipswich Town at Craven Cottage, the Fulham forward etched his name in the record books by breaking <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/javier-hernandez/">Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez</a>’s record in the Premier League.



The match against Ipswich proved more challenging than anticipated. Despite limited chances, the visitors opened the scoring in the first half. Jimenez came to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/fulham/">Fulham</a>’s rescue with a composed penalty in the 69th minute, leveling the game. Moments later, Ipswich regained the lead through their own penalty. But once again, Jimenez stepped up in stoppage time, converting another penalty to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw and break Chicharito’s long-standing record.



With his brace, Jimenez became the highest-scoring Mexican in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/premier-league/">Premier League</a> history, overtaking Javier Hernandez’s total of 53 goals. Jimenez’s tally now stands at 55 goals—40 with Wolverhampton Wanderers and 15 with Fulham. In comparison, Chicharito netted 37 goals for Manchester United and 16 for West Ham United during his time in England.



Jimenez was asked about breaking the record of the former United striker, and reminisced about his time in England. “I’m really happy with that record. It’s hard work being in the UK for six and a half years. I’ve been working hard to achieve this and I got it now,” he said.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250105_WST_547139_Raul-Jimenez-Fulham-1200x675_788d47f8.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-547150" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/05120457/Raul-Jimenez-Fulham-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/05120457/Raul-Jimenez-Fulham-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/05120457/Raul-Jimenez-Fulham-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/05120457/Raul-Jimenez-Fulham-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/05120457/Raul-Jimenez-Fulham-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/05120457/Raul-Jimenez-Fulham-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/05120457/Raul-Jimenez-Fulham-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/05120457/Raul-Jimenez-Fulham.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Raul Jimenez’s resurgence in the Premier League</h2>



Jimenez’s journey in the Premier League has been one of highs and lows. Initially joining Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan from Benfica, the Mexican striker quickly established himself as a key player, earning a permanent deal and becoming the club’s top scorer in the Premier League era.


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However, his career took a devastating turn on November 29, 2020, when he suffered a life-threatening skull fracture during a clash with Arsenal’s David Luiz. While his recovery was remarkable—returning to the pitch just nine months later—his performances dipped in the following seasons.



After struggling to regain his best form, Jimenez joined Fulham ahead of the 2023-24 season. In his first year under Marco Silva, he managed only seven goals in 29 appearances, struggling to adapt to the system. This season, however, Jimenez has rediscovered his scoring touch, already surpassing last year’s tally with nine goals and two assists in 22 games.



“I’ve had tough moments. Thank goodness I lived but I always knew I was going to be back stronger than ever and I’m really pleased that I’m doing this now, helping the team,” Jimenez admitted after his record-breaking performance against Ipswich.



Now sitting in 9th place in the Premier League standings, Fulham are on the rise, and Jimenez’s resurgence has been a crucial part of their push for European qualification. The Mexican striker’s return to form is not just a personal triumph but a significant boost to Fulham’s ambitions this season.

Mexican pride: Fulham star Raul Jimenez shatters Chicharito Hernandez's Premier League record

Fulham star Raul Jimenez breaks Mexican legend Chicharito Hernandez's Premier League record - World Soccer Talk

Fulham's Raul Jimenez breaks Chicharito Hernandez's Premier League record

Fulham star Raul Jimenez breaks Mexican legend Chicharito Hernandez's Premier League record

Even though there is a lot of doubt, Aleksandar Mitrovic’s future may not be with Fulham because they have now found an alternative for him.



The top scorer for the Cottagers over the last five seasons is said to have told family members that he will <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/epl-star-vows-never-to-play-for-club-after-rejected-saudi-bids-20230720-WST-444317.html">never play for Fulham again</a> after the club put a $67 million price tag on him. 



It is thought that he is angry because Al-Hilal made two unsuccessful offers to buy him but couldn’t afford to do so.



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/fulham-tv-schedule">Fulham</a>‘s pre-season tour is in the United States, but the Serbian striker is back in the UK, working alone in London. 



The club’s stance didn’t change when they turned down the latest offer, saying that the Serbian international is not for sale. But that could be changing soon.



<h5>Fulham could have change of heart soon</h5>



It’s believed that Fulham don’t want to sell their best player, which makes sense. 



However, they don’t have much power to stop an unhappy player from making a rich move to the Gulf state



Nevertheless, they are making significant progress in bolstering Silva’s squad with quality and depth, following an impressive top-half finish in the Premier League last season.



<h5>Club on verge of signing Raul Jimenez</h5>



Fabrizio Romano and <a href="https://theathletic.com/4713639/2023/07/23/fulham-transfer-news-jimenez-wolves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Athletic</a> say that Raul Jimenez, a star player for Wolverhampton Wanderers, is close to joining the Cottagers. For the experienced scorer, the London-based team has agreed to pay a fee of around $6.4 million plus extras.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Fulham are closing in on £5.5m deal to sign Raúl Jiménez from Wolves, here we go soon! Agreement imminent between the two clubs ⚪️⚫️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FulhamFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FulhamFC</a> Raúl accepted, medical could take place early next week. Exclusive story confirmed 🇲🇽 <a href="https://t.co/X1D7bsGQnW">pic.twitter.com/X1D7bsGQnW</a>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1683107675385614336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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The 32-year-old’s current deal runs until 2024, but he seems likely to move to Craven Cottage unless something goes wrong at the last minute.



Jimenez will return from Wolves’ training camp in Portugal to undergo a medical with Fulham on Monday.



The Mexican international’s future has been uncertain this summer, and Fulham is an opportunity to start over. 



He has been at Molineux for the last five years, where he has helped the team stay in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a>. The striker was a key player for Wolves after they got back into the English top division, but he got a serious head injury at Arsenal in November 2020.



Photo credit: IMAGO / Action Plus

Aleksandar Mitrovic's future is uncertain, but it doesn't look like it will be with Fulham because they have now found his successor.

Fulham agree deal with Aleksandar Mitrovic replacement - World Soccer Talk

Fulham agree deal with Aleksandar Mitrovic replacement

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