Mexico's El Tri vs USA: Oct. 3 friendly marks Marquez debut

Mexico and the United States will renew one of international soccer's fiercest rivalries on Oct. 3 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The friendly will be the first meeting between the two neighbors since they co-hosted the 2026 World Cup, and it will mark the debut of Rafael Márquez as Mexico's head coach.

A new era for El Tri

Márquez, 47, was promoted from assistant to head coach in what the Mexican federation described as an "orderly transition" following Mexico's World Cup exit. He takes over from Javier Aguirre, 67, whose third tenure ended with a 3-2 round-of-16 loss to England at Estadio Azteca. Márquez, considered one of Mexico's greatest defenders, played from 1996 to 2018 and brings a wealth of experience to a squad eager to rebound on the international stage.

A rivalry with deep roots

The Oct. 3 clash will be the 80th meeting in a series that dates back to 1934. Mexico holds the all-time edge with 38 wins, 24 losses, and 17 draws. However, the United States has tilted recent momentum, going 19-8-11 against El Tri since 2000 and 5-2-2 since 2021, including victories in Nations League and Gold Cup finals. Mexico did edge the U.S. 2-1 in the 2025 Gold Cup final and won a 2024 friendly in Guadalajara, snapping a five-year winless streak against their northern rivals.

Glendale's history

The two teams have played twice in Glendale, both friendlies. The U.S. won 2-0 in 2007 in front of 62,462 fans, and the squads tied 1-1 in 2023 with 55,730 on hand. The 2-0 loss in 2007 was part of the infamous "dos a cero" pattern — Mexico has fallen 2-0 to the U.S. 11 times since the early 1990s. The trend began in 1991 but became a recurring theme starting with a 2001 World Cup qualifier in Columbus, Ohio, repeated in 2005, 2009, 2013, and at the 2002 World Cup in Jeonju, South Korea.

Current form and rankings

Both teams enter this friendly after solid yet ultimately disappointing World Cup campaigns. Mexico advanced from the group stage but fell to England, while the U.S. also impressed in the group stage before losing 4-1 to Belgium in Seattle. In the latest world rankings, Mexico moved up to No. 10, while the U.S. sits at No. 16. Mexico will arrive in Arizona amid a four-match U.S. tour: they face Colombia on Sept. 26, Peru on Sept. 29, and close against Chile on Oct. 6 after the USA match.

What to expect

For Márquez, this match is a critical test of his leadership and tactical approach. With a storied playing career and a close association with Aguirre, he inherits a team with high expectations. The match also serves as a measuring stick for the U.S. under their manager, as they look to solidify their standing after a strong home World Cup. Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday at 11 a.m. Mexico City time, following presales that began Wednesday.

Beyond the result, this friendly sets the tone for the next competitive cycle. With both nations aiming for the upcoming tournaments, the Oct. 3 encounter offers a glimpse into the future of the rivalry. For Mexico, it's a chance for Márquez to stamp his identity on the squad; for the U.S., it's an opportunity to continue their recent dominance and build momentum on home soil.