Santiago Gimenez Poised to Steal the Spotlight as Mexico Faces Colombia
El Tri will step onto the field at AT&T Stadium to battle Colombia in their opening October international exhibition match.
Head coach Javier Aguirre recently disclosed that he has already determined "approximately 80%" of the squad that will wear Mexico's colors at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. These exhibition contests offer peripheral players significant opportunities to secure some of the remaining roster positions.
Mexico's lineup has been weakened by various injuries. Raúl Jiménez, Edson Álvarez, Roberto Alvarado and Rodrigo Huescas—all starters for El Tri in the previous month—are currently unavailable, creating substantial opportunities for other players to make their mark.
Colombia will serve as a formidable opponent and an excellent examination for Aguirre's squad. Néstor Lorenzo's roster is packed with skilled athletes and Mexico will need to perform at peak level to extend their 9-match undefeated streak.
Below is how Mexico might arrange their formation against Colombia this Saturday evening.
Mexico Predicted Lineup vs. Colombia (4-3-3)
GK: Luis Malagón—Malagón has delivered excellent performances in goal for Club América during recent matches. While this bodes well for Mexico, he must continue developing his distribution skills.
RB: Jorge Sánchez—With Huescas sidelined, Sánchez becomes El Tri's primary right-back choice just nine months before the World Cup. Sánchez delivered an impressive showing against Japan in September and looks to maintain that momentum.
CB: César Montes—This imposing central defender has appeared uncertain for El Tri in recent outings but remains among the squad's established players. He's virtually guaranteed a World Cup spot unless injured.
CB: Johan Vásquez—Vásquez has developed into an exceptionally complete center-back and will lead Mexico as captain during October. Strong performances this season and at the 2026 World Cup could attract interest from larger clubs.
LB: Jesús Gallardo—Gallardo has remained among Mexico's most reliable performers over the last ten years and has quietly established an outstanding career defending the left side.
CM: Marcel Ruiz—This Toluca midfielder has experienced a remarkable ascent in the past year, excelling in Liga MX and becoming an essential component for El Tri.
CM: Erik Lira—The Cruz Azul midfielder has been outstanding for Mexico in 2025, consistently delivering flawless performances when called upon to stabilize the midfield. He'll fill Álvarez's typical position in the formation.
CM: Carlos Rodríguez—With Gilberto Mora and Obed Vargas making headlines for El Tri at the U-20 World Cup, this might represent one of Rodríguez's final opportunities to demonstrate to Aguirre that he deserves a roster position next summer.
RW: Hirving Lozano—El Chuky was nearly completely excluded from World Cup consideration at the year's beginning. However, after flourishing with San Diego FC during his inaugural MLS campaign, he now has a genuine opportunity to participate in his third World Cup.
LW: Alexis Vega—Vega has built upon his 24-goal contribution season with eight assists and three goals across 10 matches this campaign for Toluca. He's arguably Liga MX's premier player currently and will be responsible for leading El Tri's offensive efforts against Colombia.
ST: Santiago Gimenez—Gimenez has yet to score in Serie A this season despite featuring in every match for AC Milan. El Bebote netted a spectacular goal in his last Mexico appearance and, with Jiménez unavailable, must emerge from his scoring drought and regain his confidence.
