Mexico draws 1-1 with Peru; Márquez seeks first win

Mexico and Peru drew 1-1 in a friendly match at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, on September 30, marking the second consecutive stalemate for Mexico under new head coach Rafael Márquez. Jairo Vélez gave Peru the lead in the 26th minute after Mexico's defense failed to clear a long kick from goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, with defender Jeremy Márquez caught out of position. Víctor Guzmán equalized early in the second half at the 49th minute with a headed finish from a free-kick delivery by Denzell García.

Márquez, a former Barcelona defender and member of Mexico's 2026 World Cup technical staff, took charge of the national team with focus on the 2030 World Cup. He made wholesale changes to the lineup from his debut match, fielding several young players under 23 years old, including striker Isaías Violante and midfielder Obed Vargas. Despite Mexico's improved intensity in the second half, neither team managed to break the deadlock, leaving the hosts without a victory in their opening matches under Márquez's leadership.

Peru arrived at the match after losing 4-1 to the United States in its previous FIFA date fixture. Mexico has scheduled four friendlies during this two-week international window, with upcoming matches against the United States on October 5 in Glendale, Arizona, and Chile on October 6 in Los Angeles. The consecutive draws have intensified scrutiny on Márquez's early tenure, though defender Everardo López of Toluca acknowledged the team's young composition and expressed confidence that connection and performance would improve with time.