Peru struggled to find creative space in attack and was ultimately overwhelmed late. The task became even steeper after Miguel Araujo was shown a straight red card just two minutes after coming off the bench, leaving Peru down to 10 men.

The match marked the final test for both sides in the current international window. Looking ahead, both squads will pivot to the next slate of friendlies as preparations ramp up for the 2028 Copa America in the United States, according to TyC Sports’ Gaston Edul.

With Jhon Arias anchoring Colombia’s attack, head coach Nestor Lorenzo has an opportunity to test fresh talent as he retools the lineup. The match serves as a crucial trial period following the international retirements of playmakers James Rodriguez and Juan Fernando Quintero.

On the other side, veteran goalkeeper Pedro Gallese leads a Peru squad actively searching for its next generation of talent after legend Paolo Guerrero called it quits on his international career. Head coach Mano Menezes will use the tune-up to experiment with new lineups against a key CONMEBOL rival ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifying.

The matchup marks the final international break outing for both sides following the 2026 World Cup. From here, both federations shift their focus toward prep work for the 2028 Copa America in the United States.

Confirmed lineups: Colombia vs. Peru

Alongside Arias, defender Davinson Sanchez is starting and wearing the captain’s armband following Rodriguez’s departure. Here is how Colombia is expected to line up:

• Goalkeeper: Kevin Mier
• Defenders: Daniel Munoz (RB), Kevin Andrade (CB), Davinson Sanchez (CB), Samuel Velasquez (LB)
• Midfielders: Gustavo Puerta, John Solis
• Forwards: Jhon Arias (RW), Luis Javier Suarez (ST), Carlos Andres Gomez (LW), Yaser Asprilla

Meanwhile, Peru is featuring veteran Yoshimar Yotun in central midfield, with Oliver Sonne not starting at right back, as he was called back to England following the defeat against Canada. Here is the projected lineup for La Bicolor:

• Goalkeeper: Pedro Gallese
• Defenders: Marco Huaman, Erick Noriega, Renzo Garces, Marcos Lopez
• Midfielders: Oslimg Mora, Wilder Cartagena, Yoshimar Yotun, Piero Magallanes
• Forwards: Alex Valera, Jairo Velez

Key takeaways

• Colombia aims to bounce back in its final international friendly against Peru.
• The match follows the international retirements of playmakers James Rodríguez and Juan Fernando Quintero.
• Both federations will shift focus toward prep work for the 2028 Copa America.

How to watch Colombia vs Peru in the USA

Colombia vs Peru will be available to watch live in the United States through Fanatiz and TrillerTV+, with both platforms offering legal streaming options for the international friendly.

Can I watch Colombia vs Peru for free?

There is no confirmed free option to watch Colombia vs Peru in the USA. Fanatiz does not offer a free trial, according to its official Help Center, so a subscription or the applicable paid access is required.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Colombia and Peru are looking to close the October FIFA international window with a win as both teams continue rebuilding after the 2026 World Cup.

Colombia enters the friendly in Miami with a 1-1 draw against Mexico and a 1-0 loss to Paraguay, leaving Nestor Lorenzo still searching for the right combinations and greater attacking production. The match against Peru represents another opportunity to test players and tactical variations before the next international window.

For Peru, the match is also part of a transition under Mano Menezes, with the Brazilian coach evaluating his squad and looking to establish a foundation for the next cycle. The Bicolor drew 1-1 with Mexico during this FIFA window and has also suffered defeats against Canada and the United States. Menezes has indicated that Colombia‘s physicality, pace and ability to attack in depth could cause problems, making this another useful test for Peru’s evolving squad.

What time is the Colombia vs Peru match?

The Colombia vs Peru match kicks off today, Tuesday, October 6, at 7:45 PM ET. The Colombian Football Federation confirms a 6:45 PM local time in Colombia.

• Eastern Time: 7:45 PM
• Central Time: 6:45 PM
• Mountain Time: 5:45 PM
• Pacific Time: 4:45 PM

Colombia controlled possession for long stretches and pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but Paraguay remained solid defensively. Hugo Benitez opened the scoring after a mistake from Jhon Lucumi allowed Hugo Cuenca to win the ball and set up the striker inside the box.

Paraguay held on through the final minutes despite Colombia throwing everything forward. Orlando Gill also made an important save on a backheel effort from Luis Suarez as Paraguay secured the 1-0 victory.

Gilberto Mora brought Mexico level with a classy finish inside the box after a high-pressing move created the opportunity. Mexico had several chances throughout the match, including multiple efforts that hit the post.

The final minutes were played at an intense pace, with both sides making substitutions and pushing for the winning goal. Neither Mexico nor Colombia could find the breakthrough, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Julian Quinones misses the match against Colombia due to muscle discomfort suffered with his club, Al-Qadsiah, during an AFC Champions League fixture. Given the situation, the decision was made for the attacker to remain in Saudi Arabia to continue his recovery.

El Tri face Colombia in the United States in the first of four friendlies they will play during this FIFA window. Rafael Marquez seeks to maintain continuity with the project initiated by Javier Aguirre, keeping an important core of players who featured in the World Cup, though they also suffered key absences for these upcoming commitments, including Memo Ochoa and midfielder Edson Alvarez.

New additions to the Mexico roster

Rafa Marquez called up nine players based in Europe, including striker Armando ‘la Hormiga’ Gonzalez, recently signed by Olympiacos of Greece, and goalkeeper Alex Padilla of Athletic Club, who will serve as one of the replacements.

With six players selected, Chivas de Guadalajara are the club with the most players on Marquez’s initial list. Attackers Hugo Camberos and Santiago Sandoval, both 19 years old, have yet to make their senior national team debuts.

A matchup with high expectations

Both teams enter following the Round of 16 exits at the 2026 World Cup. Colombia, who will be without James Rodriguez, fell at the hands of Switzerland in Vancouver, while Mexico made a premature exit in a thriller against England.

Mexico opted to change their manager and hand the keys of the national team to Rafa Marquez, whereas Colombia maintained continuity under Nestor Lorenzo. Over the past four years, they have met three times in friendly matches, with Colombia winning all three.

Key takeaways

• Muscle discomfort kept Julian Quinones from joining Mexico against Colombia.
• Nine Europe-based players were called up for the upcoming friendlies.
• Three friendly wins were earned by Colombia in recent matchups.

Alvarez’s absence comes at a difficult moment in his club career. After the 2026 World Cup, the midfielder reportedly tried to leave West Ham in search of a new team, but a move did not materialize, leaving him at the English club as it competes in the Championship.

The situation has also been complicated by personal matters away from the field. Reports indicated that Alvarez asked the Mexican coaching staff not to call him up for this international window, and Marquez respected that request as he begins preparing the team for the 2030 World Cup cycle.

Why did Edson Alvarez ask not to be called up by Mexico?

Edson Alvarez has been dealing with a difficult period both on and off the field. He has not featured for West Ham in the Championship this season, and his lack of playing time has added uncertainty to his situation following the World Cup.

His absence from Mexico’s squad is also connected to personal circumstances that have been reported in recent weeks. Marquez has expressed support for the midfielder, but Alvarez was not included in the roster for the matches against Colombia, Peru, USA and Chile.

The decision means Mexico will begin the Rafael Márquez era without its former captain in Baltimore. Alvarez’s return to the national team will depend on his personal situation and club circumstances, while Mexico continues its preparations for the next World Cup cycle.

Ochoa will not suit up for El Tri after hanging up his gloves on international duty following the 2026 World Cup. The veteran netminder made his final appearance for Mexico in their final group stage match.

With former Mexican captain and Barcelona star Rafael Marquez taking over as head coach, El Tri looks to hit the ground running in this new cycle as both managers test out revamped lineups ahead of kickoff.

Colombia enters today’s match without star playmaker James Rodriguez, while Mexico will be without veteran striker Raul Jimenez, opening the door for fresh faces to step into prominent roles on both sides.

Marquez aims for right foot forward in managerial debut

Expectations are high following Marquez’s official appointment as head coach. The former Mexican captain steps in to fill the void left by Javier Aguirre, bringing instant credibility and excitement to the touchline.

Eager to snap a recent slide against Colombia, Mexico faces a stern test in this marquee matchup. Both managers have summoned a mixture of youth and experience as they begin ushering in the next generation for the upcoming cycle.

Mexico roster breakdown: international friendly

Marquez has crafted a balanced 26-man roster blending established international veterans with emerging young talent designed to contend in upcoming tournament windows. Here is the official call-up list for El Tri:

• Goalkeepers:
  • Raul Rangel (Guadalajara / Chivas)
  • Alex Padilla (Athletic Club)
  • Oscar Garcia (Club Leon)
• Defenders:
  • Johan Vasquez (Genoa)
  • Cesar Montes (Lokomotiv Moscow)
  • Israel Reyes (Club America)
  • Jorge Sanchez (Atlas)
  • Jesus Gallardo (Toluca)
  • Mateo Chavez (AZ Alkmaar)
  • Victor Guzman (Rayados de Monterrey)
  • Diego Campillo (Guadalajara)
  • Everardo Lopez (Toluca)
• Midfielders:
  • Erik Lira (Cruz Azul)
  • Luis Chavez (Dynamo Moscow)
  • Alvaro Fidalgo (Real Betis)
  • Gilberto Mora (Tijuana)
  • Luis Romo (Guadalajara)
  • Orbelin Pineda (AEK Athens)
  • Jeremy Marquez (Cruz Azul)
  • Obed Vargas (Atletico Madrid)
  • Alan Cervantes (Club America)
  • Denzell Garcia (FC Juarez)
• Forwards:
  • Hirving Lozano (LA Galaxy)
  • Santiago Gimenez (Porto)
  • Roberto Alvarado (Guadalajara)
  • Armando Gonzalez (Olympiacos)
  • Alexis Vega (Toluca)
  • German Berterame (Inter Miami)
  • Isaias Violante (Club America)
  • Hugo Camberos (Guadalajara)

Key takeaways

• Guillermo ‘Memo’ Ochoa retired from international duty following the 2026 World Cup.
• Rafael Marquez takes over as Mexico’s head coach replacing Javier Aguirre.
• Mexico’s manager crafted a 26-man roster blending veterans with young emerging talent.

James Rodriguez, the leader of the Cafetero side over the past decade, decided to retire from the Colombia national team at age 35, which is why he is absent for the friendly against Mexico.

The same applied to Juan Fernando Quintero, who also made the decision to step away from international duty. Colombia suffered key losses in midfield, particularly in terms of creativity and ball progression, with James and Quintero out of the squad.

Another key absence for Colombia

That is not the only concerning news for Colombia, as they will also be without Luis Diaz. Regarding the Bayern Munich footballer, Nestor Lorenzo decided against calling him up in order to grant him rest and avoid overworking him at the start of the season, following a lengthy prior campaign and his World Cup participation.

Regarding Colombia’s World Cup roster, players such as Camilo Vargas, Jefferson Lerma, Juan Camilo Portilla, Jorge Carrascal, Jhon Cordoba, and Juan Camilo Hernandez were not called up by Nestor Lorenzo, though all retain possibilities of returning.

While a match between Mexico and Colombia generates anticipation and will feature standout players at M&T Bank Stadium in the United States, the encounter also marks a roster turnover for both national teams as they build toward the future.

Mexico’s absences

Regarding the Mexican national team call-up, players like Raul Jimenez, Julian Quinones, Edson Alvarez, and Cesar Montes are absent for various reasons. It does not mean they will not wear the Mexican shirt again, but their absence will feel unusual given that they delivered the most standout performances at the World Cup.

Key takeaways

• International retirement at age 35 keeps James Rodriguez out of the squad.
• Luis Diaz was left out to receive rest following his World Cup participation.
• M&T Bank Stadium will host the matchup between Colombia and Mexico.

Jimenez suffered the injury on September 16 during Wolverhampton’s Carabao Cup match against Everton. The forward was forced off in the 38th minute, and his absence has since raised concerns about how long he could remain unavailable for both club and country.

The situation became more concerning when Jimenez was recently spotted at Molineux using crutches. His recovery could take several weeks, meaning he will not be available for any of Mexico’s four upcoming matches against Colombia, Peru, USA and Chile.

When will Raul Jimenez return?

Raul Jimenez’s return is currently projected for mid-October, although the Wolves have not confirmed an exact date. The striker will continue his rehabilitation before returning to training, with his recovery timeline depending on how his knee responds. The club will avoid rushing him back before he is fully fit.

His absence is a significant blow for the national team, which will have to rely on other options such as Armando Gonzalez, Hirving Lozano and Santiago Gimenez. Jimenez had been expected to play an important role in the new cycle under Rafael Marquez, but his injury will delay that opportunity.

Wolverhampton also needs Jimenez back as soon as possible. The Mexican striker is an important part of the team’s attack as it looks to secure a return to the Premier League, and his experience could prove valuable throughout the Championship campaign. For now, the priority is allowing him to recover fully, with the hope that he can return to action next month.

How to watch Mexico vs Colombia in the USA

The Mexico vs Colombia friendly will be available in the United States in Spanish on Univision and TUDN, with streaming also available through ViX. Viewers can also follow the match through TUDN.com and the TUDN app.

Can I watch Mexico vs Colombia for free?

There is no confirmed free legal way to watch Mexico vs Colombia live in the United States. The friendly will be available through Univision, TUDN and ViX, but the streaming options require a paid subscription.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Mexico vs Colombia is a friendly, but the game carries plenty of significance for both teams because it begins a new international cycle following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For Mexico, the spotlight is firmly on Rafael Marquez, who takes over from Javier Aguirre and will make his senior national-team debut as head coach.

FIFA reports that Marquez’s first squad combines experienced World Cup players with younger options, including 17-year-old Gilberto Mora, while Hirving Lozano returns to the national team.

The match is also the first of four friendlies Mexico will play in the United States during the September-October international window. After Colombia, El Tri face Peru on September 29, the United States on October 3 and Chile on October 6. Marquez therefore has four games to begin defining his squad and tactical approach as Mexico looks toward the 2030 World Cup cycle.

Colombia, meanwhile, begin their own post-World Cup period under Nestor Lorenzo, who remains in charge of the national team. The Colombian federation called up 26 players for the September-October friendlies, with the team set to face Mexico, Paraguay and Peru in the United States. One notable absence against Mexico is Luis Diaz, while the squad gives Lorenzo an opportunity to evaluate alternatives in several positions after the World Cup.

What time is the Mexico vs Colombia match?

The Mexico vs Colombia match kicks off on Saturday, September 26, at 9:00 PM ET. The game will be played at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

• Eastern Time: 9:00 PM
• Central Time: 8:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 7:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 6:00 PM