Mexico faces Peru in international match in New Jersey

Mexico faces Peru in international match in New Jersey

A new era begins. The Mexican soccer team presents as technical director the legendary Rafael Márquez who will debut with the national team in an important series of four international friendly matches against the teams of Colombia (this Saturday, September 26 in Baltimore), Peru (Tuesday, September 29 in New Jersey), the United States (Saturday, October 3 in Arizona) and Chile (Tuesday, October 6 in California).

There is enormous expectation among Mexican fans to see Rafa Márquez as a new coach, after his good performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as an assistant to veteran coach Javier “Vasco” Aguirre.

In this World Cup tournament, the “Tricolor” had a surprisingly good performance, beating South Africa (2-0), South Korea (1-0), Czechia (3-0) and Ecuador (1-0), to advance to the quarterfinals where they lost narrowly to England (2-3).

Now, as head coach, Márquez hopes to bring to the Aztec squad all his experience and well-earned hierarchy in European football as a star player for Monaco (France) and Barcelona (Spain).

This challenge seems difficult but not impossible, its first mission will be to amalgamate the new figures that emerge for the Mexican team with the most experienced elements that may arrive for the next World Cup in 2030, and together show off a more offensive, modern and winning collective mentality.

“The appointment of Rafael Márquez is part of an orderly transition planned within the institutional vision of the FMF to continue the work of the last World Cup cycle, strengthen the sporting development of the Mexican national team,” explained the Mexican Football Federation.

Great career

Rafa Márquez is one of the three best Mexican soccer players in history, he has played in 5 World Cups; As a notable central defender he was a leader of the “Tri”, with whom he won the FIFA Confederations Cup in 1999 and, twice, the Concacaf Gold Cup.

Trained at the Atlas club in Mexico, he later emigrated to Monaco, conquering Ligue 1 in France in the 1999-2000 season, to later join Spanish Barcelona, ​​with which he won 2 Champions League titles, 4 Leagues, 1 Club World Cup, 1 European Super Cup, 1 Copa del Rey and 3 Spanish Super Cups.

In addition, Márquez wore the New York Red Bulls MLS jersey from 2010 to 2012 (where he was misunderstood both on the field and off by some malicious press, receiving unfair criticism).

Later, Márquez played for Hellas Verona in Italy’s Serie A, before returning to Mexico with León and the “Rojinegros” of Atlas with whom he retired from professional activity.

Summoned to the “Tricolor”

These are the players called up on Mexico’s first list with Rafa Márquez on the bench:

– GOALKEEPERS:

Raúl Rangel (Chivas de Guadalajara)
Oscar García (Club León)
Alex Padilla (Athletic Bilbao)

– DEFENDERS:

Johan Vásquez (Genoa)
Dagoberto Espinoza (America)
Víctor Guzmán (Rayados de Monterrey)
Israel Reyes (Club America)
Everardo López (Toluca)
Jorge Sánchez (Atlas)
Jesus Gallardo (Toluca)
Mateo Chavez (AZ Alkmaar)

– MIDFIELDERS:

Erik Lira (Blue Cross)
Luis Chavez (Dinamo Moscow)
Obed Vargas (Atletico Madrid)
Jeremy Marquez (Blue Cross)
Orbelín Pineda (Rayados de Monterrey)
Alvaro Fidalgo (Real Betis)
Denzell García (FC Juarez)
Gilberto Mora (Tijuana)

– FORWARDS:

Roberto Alvarado (Chivas de Guadalajara)
Hirving Lozano (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Santiago Gimenez (Porto)
Armando González (Olympiacos)
Germán Berterame (Inter Miami)
Diego Campillo (Chivas de Guadalajara)
Luis Romo (Chivas de Guadalajara)
Hugo Camberos (Chivas de Guadalajara)
Santiago Sandoval (Chivas de Guadalajara)
Isaías Violante (Club América)

Tickets on sale

The Aztecs’ tour with Rafa Márquez begins this Saturday, September 26, when the Mexico team — tenth in the FIFA World Rankings — faces the always tough Colombia at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland (9 pm ET).

Afterwards, the “Tricolor” will move to the Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, on Tuesday, September 29 (8:30 pm ET), where Mexico will face a renewed Peru. It is assumed that both teams will have a large number of fans from the tri-state area eager to cheer on their respective countries.

To buy tickets for these duels visit Ticketmaster.com .

Tricia Lindsay

Tricia Lindsay

I am Tricia Lindsay Forsenate, the director of "Tricia Lindsay." My journey began with a passion for storytelling and a deep love for the vibrant culture of New York City. With a dedication to uncovering the unique stories of this metropolis, I lead a talented team committed to journalistic excellence and innovation.

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