After missing out on the World Cup four years ago, Colombia qualified for the quadrennial event after finishing third in CONMEBOL qualifying. The team lost only four of the 18 games it played and managed to seal its place with a game to spare.
Nestor Lorenzo, who was part of the coaching staff during the country’s run to the quarter-finals in 2014, will look to bring back the feel-good factor of a decade ago. So it’s no surprise that he brought James Rodriguez back into the fold.
Bayern Munich winger Luis Diaz is the main attacking threat and topped the charts for the team in qualifying with six goals. He was ably supported by Luis Suarez (four goals), who is quickly developing into a striker to watch in Europe after his solid season for Sporting Lisbon, where he recorded 35 G/A in 32 games.
Colombia also boasts an experienced backline who have spent years honing their tools in Europe. Yerry Mina has been a mainstay at center back and will be supported by Davinson Sanchez and defensive midfielder Jefferson Lerma in his quest to defend a clean sheet.
Colombia will be hoping James Rodriguez can recapture his 2014 World Cup magic in North America. | Photo credit: AFP
Colombia will be hoping James Rodriguez can recapture his 2014 World Cup magic in North America. | Photo credit: AFP
La Tricolor will be second favorites to qualify from Group K, made up of Portugal, DR Congo and Uzbekistan, and will need some magic from the boots of Diaz and Rodriguez to progress.
Player to watch out for
Luis Diaz: Leaving the reigning Premier League champions for the Bundesliga looked like a risky move at the start of the 2025/26 season. But 49 goals and three trophies later, he has cemented himself as one of Europe’s best wingers and will look to put on a show on the left flank at the World Cup.
Coach
There are only two names on Lorenzo’s resume: Melgar and Colombia. But the 60-year-old has served as an assistant coach during three World Cup campaigns, one for Argentina and two for his current side. The former Argentina defender will hope he can create the same impact as his mentor Jose Pekerman.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Camilo Vargas; Daniel Munoz, Davinson Sanchez, Yerry Mina, Johan Mojica; Jefferson Lerma, Richard Rios; Jhon Arias, James Rodriguez, Luis Diaz; Luis Suarez
TEAM
- Goalkeepers: David Ospina, Alvaro Montero, Camilo Vargas
- Defenders: Daniel Muñoz, Jhon Lucumí, Santiago Arias, Davinson Sánchez, Johan Mojica, Yerry Mina, Willer Ditta, Deiver Machado
- Midfielders: Jorge Carrascal, Kevin Castaño, Gustavo Puerta, Juan Fernando Quintero, Juan Portilla, Jefferson Lerma, Richard Ríos, Jhon Arias, James Rodríguez, Jaminton Campaz
- Forward: Luis Díaz, Jhon Córdoba, Luis Suárez, Andrés Gómez, Cucho Hernández
World Cup statistics
- appearances: 6
- Best Finish: Quarterfinal (2014)
- FIFA rankings: 13
- MP: 22
- W: 9
- D: 3
- L: 10
- girlfriend: 32
- GO: 30
- Highest active scorer: James Rodriguez (31 goals)
Published on June 11, 2026
