Rafa Marquez states what's the priority for Mexico’s National Soccer Team before facing Colombia

The result will matter, but not as much as the message. When Mexico takes the field against Colombia in Baltimore on September 26, the match will mark the beginning of Rafael Márquez's tenure as head coach of the national team. While supporters will naturally focus on the scoreline, Márquez has made it clear that his primary objective extends far beyond a single friendly.

The former Mexico captain wants to build a team with a recognizable identity, one capable of competing at the highest level while forging a stronger connection with supporters. “Identity —showing that the team plays competitively, just as we demonstrated at the World Cup — is something we want to continue,” Márquez said.

“We want the players to give their all and to forge a connection with the people of Mexico ; that is the priority.” Those comments provide perhaps the clearest glimpse yet into how Márquez envisions the next chapter of Mexican soccer.

Building on the World Cup foundation

Márquez officially took charge on July 8 after replacing Javier Aguirre, who stepped down following Mexico's Round of 16 elimination against England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Rather than launching a complete rebuild, the new coach has chosen continuity.

Seventeen of the 30 players called up for the Colombia match were part of Mexico's World Cup squad , including key figures such as Santiago Giménez, Johan Vásquez, César Montes, Luis Chávez, Orbelín Pineda, Gilberto Mora and Luis Romo. That decision reflects Márquez's belief that Mexico should not abandon the progress made during the World Cup cycle.

The tournament offered moments that restored confidence in the program after years of inconsistency, and Márquez appears determined to preserve the competitive mentality that emerged during the event. For him, identity begins with effort and competitiveness. “The main thing is for people to feel proud of their national team, to feel happy and well-represented, and for us to always strive to compete,” he said.

Márquez's emphasis on identity is noteworthy because it goes beyond formations, possession statistics or tactical systems. The legendary defender is focused on something less tangible but equally important: how fans perceive the team.

For years, Mexico has faced criticism from supporters who felt disconnected from the national program. Results have often been judged alongside questions about commitment, style of play and whether the team truly reflected the passion of its fan base. Márquez wants to change that dynamic.

His vision centers on a national team that competes relentlessly regardless of the opponent, a team that leaves the field having exhausted every effort. That philosophy is hardly surprising given Rafa's own career.

As a player, he became one of the most respected figures in Mexican soccer history by combining technical quality with leadership and intensity. Across five World Cups, he established a reputation as a player who embraced pressure and demanded high standards from teammates. Now he wants those same traits to define his team.