This article is part of the collaborative 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, which unites leading media outlets from the 48 nations that qualified. In anticipation of the tournament starting on June 11, previews are being released daily from three countries.
Strategic Overview
The current Selección Colombia retains a strong core of players who are cherished for their contributions during the World Cups in Brazil and Russia in 2014 and 2018. Among them is James Rodríguez, a pivotal player who continues to play a significant role in a team that follows a 4-2-3-1 formation centered around his No 10 position. Support comes from the flanks, with Luis Díaz emerging as a goal contributor, although his performance hasn’t quite matched his stellar output at Bayern Munich.
Colombia’s path to this World Cup has been tumultuous. Their qualification journey featured high points like a 2-1 win over Brazil and a chance for retribution against Argentina following their Copa América defeat in 2024. However, a setback occurred with a 1-0 loss in Bolivia, triggering a streak of six matches without a win that put their qualification in jeopardy. Ultimately, decisive victories over Bolivia and Venezuela secured their place in the finals.
Colombia: Group K Fixtures
17 June vs Uzbekistan, Mexico City (8pm local, 18 June 3am BST, 18 June noon AEST)
23 June vs DR Congo, Guadalajara (8pm local, 24 June 3am BST, 18 June noon AEST)
27 June vs Portugal, Miami (7.30pm local, 28 June 0.30am BST, 28 June 9.30am AEST)
Despite some doubts lingering after lackluster friendly matches against Croatia and France in March, head coach Néstor Lorenzo remains hopeful. “The way Colombia plays – always aiming to be offensive and not retreating – brings me satisfaction,” he expressed to La Nación, his sentiments reflecting a commitment to quality play over mere victories. “The team feels this belief, and we’re here to make an impact. Let’s aim for our best World Cup yet.”
Achieving that would entail surpassing the quarter-final stage reached by José Pekerman’s squad in 2014. In addition to Díaz and Rodríguez, goal-scoring duties are likely to fall to Luis Suárez, although not the one you’re thinking of. The 28-year-old striker netted all four of his international goals in a single match against Venezuela last year and recently scored in a warm-up against Costa Rica. Since joining Sporting from Almería last summer, he has been prolific, racking up 38 goals across all competitions in Portugal.
Coaching Leadership
Néstor Lorenzo embarks on his fifth World Cup as a head coach, taking the reins for the first time. He represented Argentina in the 1990 World Cup and served as an assistant coach to José Pekerman for Argentina in 2006 and again for Colombia in 2014 and 2018. “José has been like a father figure to me,” Lorenzo shared. “He invited me onto the national team staff shortly after I received my coaching credentials. He has known me since childhood, both as a fellow coach and as my mentor in the Argentinos reserves.” Aside from his work with Colombia, Lorenzo previously managed Melgar de Arequipa in Peru, showcasing his capability as a coach despite a limited background.
Key Player Spotlight
Luis Díaz emerged as a crucial player for Colombia following the 2018 World Cup, gaining recognition at the 2021 Copa América in Brazil, where he propelled Colombia to the semi-finals with a tournament-leading tally of four goals. Now at 29, the former Liverpool winger has matured and had an outstanding season with Bayern Munich, clinching both league and cup titles. “I’m confident in our great selección, our team, and our coaching staff. Our qualification journey has been solid, highlighted by some major victories,” Díaz stated in an interview with ESPN.
Emerging Talent
Andrés Gómez may have limited appearances for Colombia, but he has made a significant impact swiftly. Debuting in December 2023, he scored the decisive goal against Mexico and later netted an equalizer against Uruguay, though that match ended unfavorably for Colombia. At 24, the Vasco da Gama forward is entering his prime and is now a viable option alongside Jhon Arias or even Luis Díaz. Reflecting on his challenging upbringing, he said, “As a child, I witnessed friends fall victim to violence and others stray down the wrong path. Yet, my entire family has always been passionate about football,” he recounted to Chocó 7 Días.
Unsung Contributor
Jefferson Lerma plays a vital role in maintaining balance for Colombia. Having not emerged from any prominent domestic club, he transitioned to Europe from Atlético Huila and was an unexpected inclusion in José Pekerman’s squad for the 2018 World Cup despite not contributing during the qualifiers. Now a guaranteed starter in midfield alongside Richard Ríos, the Crystal Palace player is tasked with covering defensive gaps and performing the essential yet unheralded work that allows his teammates to shine offensively.
Fan Expectations
Colombia boasts some of the most dedicated supporters globally, filling stadiums in both Brazil and Russia. The presence of numerous Colombian immigrants in Mexico and the United States, though fewer in Canada, ensures a strong turnout of “yellow fever” fans during this World Cup. The match against Portugal in Miami has become the second-most requested ticket at the tournament, trailing only the final. However, Colombian fans must exercise caution, as authorities will monitor them closely following disturbances at the 2024 Copa América in the United States.
Political Context
The national team remains untainted by the challenging ties between Donald Trump’s administration and the government of Colombian President Gustavo Petro. The outgoing president had his American visa revoked – a situation that has since been rectified – and faced placement on the US government’s “Clinton List” in October 2025 due to accusations of overseeing a “disastrous and ineffective” drug policy. Tensions have eased following diplomatic meetings. Petro denied claims that he threatened to withdraw Colombia from the World Cup if Israel qualified, despite rumors circulating on social media.
