Rafael Márquez Names First Mexico Squad: 26 Players Called Up for September and October Friendlies

Newly appointed manager Rafael Márquez has announced his inaugural 26-man squad for Mexico's upcoming autumn friendlies in the United States.

Photo: @miseleccionmx

The Rafael Márquez era for the Mexican National Team is officially underway. The newly appointed manager revealed his inaugural 26-man squad on Thursday, setting the stage for El Tri's upcoming friendlies during the September and October international window. This initial roster marks the official kickoff of the national team's preparations toward the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Mexico's autumn tour in the United States features four high-profile matches designed to test new tactical frameworks and evaluate emerging talent. Márquez will make his managerial debut on September 26 against Colombia at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. El Tri will subsequently face Peru on September 29 in New Jersey, take on the United States on October 3 in Phoenix, Arizona, and conclude the series against Chile on October 6 in Los Angeles. These fixtures serve as crucial preparations ahead of November's Concacaf Nations League matches.

The roster selection reflects a careful balance between established figures and exciting new faces, though it is shaped by notable absences. Key players such as Raúl Jiménez, Julián Quiñones, and César Montes were ruled out due to physical ailments, while midfielder Edson Álvarez and winger César Huerta missed out due to a lack of recent playing time. Meanwhile, veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa steps aside following his historic sixth World Cup appearance in 2026. Domestic giants Chivas feature prominently with six players included in the wider setup, while European-based standouts like Santiago Giménez, Hirving Lozano, and Johan Vásquez anchor the core group.

Supporting Márquez in this new endeavor is a highly experienced coaching staff featuring Juan Manuel Lillo and Andrés Guardado, bringing a wealth of tactical knowledge and international leadership as Mexico builds toward the next decade.

Goalkeepers

• Raúl Rangel
• Óscar García
• Álex Padilla

Defenses

• Johan Vásquez
• César Montes
• Víctor Guzmán
• Israel Reyes
• Everardo López
• Jorge Sánchez
• Jesús Gallardo
• Diego Campillo
• Mateo Chávez

Midfielder

• Luis Romo
• Luis Chávez
• Álvaro Fidalgo
• Érick Lira
• Orbelín Pineda
• Alan Cervantes
• Obed Vargas
• Jeremy Márquez
• Denzell García
• Gilberto Mora

Forwards

• Roberto Alvarado
• Hirving Lozano
• Santiago Giménez
• Armando González
• Germán Berterame
• Santiago Sandoval
• Hugo Camberos
• Isaías Violante