This article is part of a collaborative effort among top media outlets from the 48 nations that qualified for the 2026 World Cup. Leading up to the tournament set to begin on June 11, previews will be shared from three different countries each day.
Team Strategy
The current Colombian national team boasts a solid foundation of players who have left their mark in previous World Cups, specifically in 2014 and 2018. Among them, James Rodríguez remains a pivotal player, guiding a tactical 4-2-3-1 formation that highlights his role as the team’s No. 10. Additionally, Luis Díaz has emerged as a notable goal contributor, although his club performance at Bayern Munich has overshadowed his national contributions.
Colombia’s path to the World Cup was filled with ups and downs. They celebrated significant victories, including a 2-1 win over Brazil and a successful match against Argentina, avenging their defeat in the 2024 Copa América final. However, a disheartening 1-0 loss to Bolivia triggered a six-match winless streak that put their World Cup aspirations in jeopardy. Ultimately, decisive victories over Bolivia and Venezuela secured their qualification.
Colombia: Group K Schedule
June 17 vs Uzbekistan, Mexico City (8 PM local, June 18 3 AM BST, June 18 noon AEST)
June 23 vs DR Congo, Guadalajara (8 PM local, June 24 3 AM BST, June 24 noon AEST)
June 27 vs Portugal, Miami (7:30 PM local, June 28 0:30 AM BST, June 28 9:30 AM AEST)
Despite recent lackluster performances in friendlies against Croatia and France last March, head coach Néstor Lorenzo remains hopeful. “I take pride in how Colombia plays – they aim to be proactive and not retreat,” he mentioned in an interview. “The focus is on delivering quality play rather than just winning. The team embraces this philosophy, and we aspire to start strong and achieve Colombia’s best World Cup performance yet.”
To surpass their quarter-final appearance in 2014, the squad will rely on players like Luis Suárez to contribute goals. He notably scored all four of his international goals in a single match against Venezuela last year, and before netting in a recent friendly against Costa Rica, he had been a prolific scorer for Sporting in Portugal with 38 goals across competitions.
Head Coach Profile
Néstor Lorenzo enters his fifth World Cup as a coach but this marks his inaugural stint as a head coach for a national team. After playing for Argentina in the 1990 World Cup, he served as an assistant coach to José Pekerman in 2006 and again in 2014 and 2018 with Colombia. Lorenzo expressed gratitude, stating, “José has been like a father figure. He welcomed me onto the national team staff as I was just starting my coaching career.” Previously, he managed Melgar de Arequipa in Peru, showcasing his capability despite mainly being known for his playing days.
Key Player Spotlight
Luis Díaz has quickly risen to prominence since the 2018 World Cup, making a name for himself at the 2021 Copa América by leading Colombia to the semi-finals with a record four goals. Now 29, the former Liverpool player is at the peak of his abilities, having recently secured a league and cup double with Bayern Munich. Díaz shared his confidence, stating, “We have a fantastic team and great coaching staff. Our qualification journey was impressive, yielding significant results.”
Emerging Talent
Andrés Gómez may have limited caps for Colombia, but he has made an immediate impact. He netted the decisive goal in his debut against Mexico and later scored an equalizer against Uruguay, although the match ended in defeat. At 24, the Vasco da Gama forward is beginning to carve out a niche for himself, serving as a viable substitute for Jhon Arias or even Luis Díaz. Reflecting on his past, he recounted, “Growing up, I witnessed the violence around me and saw friends make poor choices. Yet, my family has always supported my football aspirations.”
Unsung Player
Jefferson Lerma plays a crucial role in maintaining the team’s balance on the field. Rising from Atlético Huila, he unexpectedly made it onto José Pekerman’s roster for the 2018 World Cup despite not participating in the qualifiers. Now a mainstay for Crystal Palace, Lerma partners with Richard Ríos in midfield. While the spotlight shines on the attacking players, Lerma diligently manages defensive tasks, ensuring the team’s stability.
What to Anticipate from Fans
Colombian supporters are renowned for their unwavering loyalty, filling stadiums during tournaments in Brazil and Russia. The presence of many Colombian expatriates in Mexico and the United States, though fewer in Canada, guarantees a vibrant atmosphere filled with “yellow fever” at the World Cup. The match against Portugal in Miami is the second most sought-after ticket of the tournament, just behind the final. However, fans must exercise caution, as they will be under heightened surveillance following incidents during the 2024 Copa América in the US.
Political Context
The national squad has remained largely unaffected by the complex dynamics between the Trump administration and the Colombian government under President Gustavo Petro. Petro faced visa issues, which have since been resolved, and was placed on the US treasury’s “Clinton List” due to claims of ineffective drug policy management. Recent diplomatic engagements have eased tensions, and Petro denied any intentions of boycotting the World Cup if Israel qualified after rumors circulated online.
