Five Takeaways From Mexico’s Draw Against Colombia

Rafa Márquez’s first match as Mexico head coach ended in a 1–1 draw against Colombia, offering an early look at the team he wants to build. Gilberto Mora provided the standout moment, Johan Vásquez wore the captain’s armband, and the attack showed where Mexico still needs more options.

One friendly won’t define this new era, but it gave us plenty to discuss. Here are our five biggest takeaways.

1. Gil Mora is Mexico’s present and future

The conversation around Gilberto Mora needs to move beyond what he could become. He is already making a difference for Mexico. Wearing the number 10, Mora delivered a beautiful equalizer against Colombia. It was the kind of moment that explains the excitement surrounding him: the quality to create something special and the confidence to deliver on the international stage.

Mexico should give him room to develop without expecting him to solve every match. But his role should reflect what he offers today. Mora has earned the opportunity to be an important part of this team right now.

2. Johan Vásquez is the right captain

Giving Johan Vásquez the armband makes perfect sense. An established center back in Serie A and captain at Genoa, he brings the consistency and experience Mexico needs at the heart of its defense.

There is a strong argument that Johan is currently Mexico’s best player. His position may attract fewer headlines than those further forward, but performing regularly in one of the world’s strongest leagues deserves recognition.

For Márquez, he is a natural choice to lead this group. Johan has earned that responsibility through his work at club level, and Mexico’s captaincy feels like a deserved next step.

3. Mexico needs its other strikers to close the gap

Armando “Hormiga” González had a decent game, but Mexico still missed Raúl Jiménez’s quality up front.

The difference goes beyond finishing. Raúl’s ability to connect with teammates, hold the ball and make good decisions gives Mexico an attacking reference point that remains difficult to replace.

At the moment, none of the alternatives offers the same complete package. That should be a challenge for the other strikers, including González, to keep improving and make the competition stronger. Mexico needs more than one dependable option at center forward, particularly as this new cycle develops.

4. Quiñones’ absence mattered

Mexico also missed Julián Quiñones. Hirving “Chucky” Lozano offered little from the left against Colombia, and the attack needed more danger from that side.

Given Quiñones’ scoring form at club level, his absence was significant. Mexico needs players who can turn attacking opportunities into goals, especially when Jiménez is unavailable.

Lozano still has an opportunity to contribute under Márquez, but performances must determine the starting spots. On current form, Quiñones has a strong case to play a major role when available.

5. Rafa’s Mexico will take time

The biggest takeaway requires patience. One match—or even one international window—isn’t enough to see Márquez’s full imprint.

His ideas will need training time, repetition and opportunities to assess different combinations. These friendlies are useful for that process, even if they don’t immediately reveal what the finished team will look like.

The Nations League, Gold Cup and other competitive fixtures will provide a clearer measure of Mexico’s progress. For now, the focus should be on how the team develops from one camp to the next. Rafa has promising players to build around; the next step is turning that quality into a consistent collective performance.