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Story by Shawn Payne
Photos by Israel González
September 26, 2026 | M&T Bank Stadium — Baltimore, Maryland | International Friendly
BALTIMORE — Long before Mexico and Colombia walked onto the field at M&T Bank Stadium Saturday night, downtown Baltimore had already taken on the colors and sounds of international soccer.
Green Mexico jerseys and the bright yellow of Colombia filled the streets surrounding the stadium as supporters arrived from across the region for a rare international showcase in Baltimore. Despite rain moving through the area ahead of kickoff, the atmosphere continued to build as thousands of fans made their way toward the stadium.
By kickoff, an announced paid crowd of 67,117 had turned the home of the Baltimore Ravens into a soccer venue, with Mexican and Colombian flags visible throughout the stands and supporters of both nations providing a colorful backdrop to the night.
The occasion carried additional significance for Mexico. It was the country’s first appearance in the United States since its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, the first MexTour match ever staged in Baltimore and the beginning of a new era under Mexican legend Rafael Márquez, who was making his debut as head coach of the senior national team.
Colombia, however, quickly interrupted the celebration.
In the 9th minute, Richard Ríos created space on the right side before delivering a cross into the penalty area. Luis Suárez met it with a header from close range to give Colombia an early 1–0 lead.
Mexico responded by taking more control of possession and creating opportunities of its own. During one frantic first-half sequence, the hosts struck the woodwork multiple times but could not find an equalizer, sending Colombia into halftime with the advantage.
Mexico’s breakthrough finally arrived in the 62nd minute, and it came from one of the youngest players on the field.
Gilberto Mora, the 17-year-old wearing Mexico’s No. 10 shirt, collected the ball inside the area, created space against Colombian defender Jhon Lucumí and finished past goalkeeper Álvaro Montero to level the match at 1–1.
The goal was Mora’s first for Mexico’s senior national team and made him the youngest player ever to score for the Mexican senior national team.
Neither side could produce a winner over the remaining minutes, leaving Mexico and Colombia to share a 1–1 draw on a night that brought more than 67,000 supporters and the atmosphere of international soccer to Baltimore.
Final Score
Mexico 1–1 Colombia
Goals:
Colombia — Luis Suárez, 9’
Mexico — Gilberto Mora, 62’
