This piece is part of a collaborative effort from the 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, featuring insights from various leading media outlets across the 48 nations that qualified. As the tournament approaches, starting on June 11, previews from three countries will be showcased daily.
Strategic Overview
The current Colombian national team retains a solid group of players who are fondly remembered for their participation in the World Cups held in Brazil and Russia in 2014 and 2018. Notably, James Rodríguez, a pivotal player, continues to be a key figure in the squad, which predominantly operates in a 4-2-3-1 formation centered around his No. 10 role. Flanking him is Luis Díaz, who has emerged as a reliable goal-scorer, although his contributions for the national team have not yet matched his impressive performances for Bayern Munich.
Colombia’s path to this World Cup has been tumultuous. They experienced notable highs, such as their 2-1 triumph over Brazil and a satisfying revenge against Argentina following their Copa América final loss in 2024. However, a disappointing 1-0 defeat in Bolivia triggered a six-match winless streak that put their World Cup aspirations in jeopardy. Ultimately, decisive victories against Bolivia and Venezuela secured their place in the tournament.
Colombia: Group K Schedule
17 June vs. Uzbekistan, Mexico City (8 PM local, 18 June 3 AM BST, 18 June noon AEST)
23 June vs. DR Congo, Guadalajara (8 PM local, 24 June 3 AM BST, 24 June noon AEST)
27 June vs. Portugal, Miami (7:30 PM local, 28 June 0:30 AM BST, 28 June 9:30 AM AEST)
Concerns persist regarding the team’s readiness after lackluster performances in recent friendlies against Croatia and France in March. Nevertheless, head coach Néstor Lorenzo, aged 60, remains positive. He stated, “The way Colombia plays – aiming to be proactive rather than defensive – gives me satisfaction,” during an interview with La Nación in Argentina. “Our focus is on playing well instead of just securing victories at all costs. The team shares this belief, and we are ready to make a strong start. Let’s hope for the best World Cup in Colombia’s history.”
Achieving that would require surpassing the quarter-final stage, which was the furthest José Pekerman’s squad reached in 2014. Alongside Díaz and Rodríguez, the scoring burden is expected to fall on Luis Suárez – not the famous one. Prior to netting in a warm-up match against Costa Rica in June, the 28-year-old striker had scored all four of his international goals in a single match against Venezuela last year. Since transferring from Almería to Sporting last summer, he has netted an impressive 38 goals across all competitions in Portugal.
Coaching Leadership
Néstor Lorenzo, embarking on his fifth World Cup, is set to take the reins as head coach for the first time. He represented Argentina in the 1990 tournament and served as an assistant to José Pekerman with Argentina in 2006 and with Colombia in both 2014 and 2018. Lorenzo expressed his gratitude, stating, “José has been like a father to me. He invited me to join the national team staff shortly after I obtained my coaching credentials. He has known me since my youth, both as a fellow coach and as my mentor during my time in the Argentinos reserves.” Besides his role with Colombia, Lorenzo previously managed Melgar de Arequipa in Peru but has made a significant impact as a coach.
Star Player Spotlight
Luis Díaz made his mark after the 2018 World Cup and has evolved into Colombia’s most crucial player. His breakthrough came during the 2021 Copa América in Brazil, where he propelled Colombia to the semi-finals with a tournament-leading total of four goals. Now at 29, the former Liverpool winger has matured and had an outstanding season with Bayern Munich, securing both league and cup titles. “I know we have a fantastic selección, a strong team, and excellent coaches. Our qualification journey was commendable as we achieved some significant results,” Díaz shared with ESPN.
Emerging Talent
Andrés Gómez has had limited appearances for Colombia but has made a remarkable impact. In his debut match in December 2023, he scored the decisive goal against Mexico and later netted an equalizer against Uruguay, although Colombia ultimately lost that encounter. At 24, the Vasco da Gama forward is now poised to be a viable option alongside Jhon Arias or even Luis Díaz. He has faced considerable challenges in his early life, stating, “As a child, I witnessed many of my friends being killed and saw others take the wrong path. However, my family has always been passionate about football,” he recounted in an interview with Chocó 7 Días.
The Unsung Contributor
Jefferson Lerma is the player who brings stability to Colombia’s midfield, having not emerged from the ranks of any major domestic clubs. He transitioned to Europe from the relatively unknown Atlético Huila and was a surprising inclusion in José Pekerman’s 2018 World Cup squad despite not participating in the qualifiers. Now a key player for Crystal Palace, Lerma is expected to start alongside Richard Ríos in midfield. While the Benfica star may attract attention for his flair, Lerma’s role is vital for maintaining balance and executing the less glamorous tasks on the pitch.
Anticipated Fan Experience
Colombian fans are renowned for their unwavering loyalty. They filled stadiums during both the Brazil and Russia World Cups. The presence of a significant Colombian diaspora in Mexico and the United States, albeit lesser in Canada, ensures a vibrant display of “yellow fever” during this World Cup. The match against Portugal in Miami is among the most sought-after for tickets, second only to the final. However, Colombian supporters must exercise caution due to heightened scrutiny from authorities following incidents at the 2024 Copa América in the US.
Political Context
The national team has largely remained unaffected by the strained relations between the administration of Donald Trump and the Colombian government under Gustavo Petro. The outgoing president Petro had his US visa revoked—though it has since been reinstated—and in October 2025, he and several close associates were placed on the US government’s “Clinton List,” accused of overseeing a “disastrous and ineffective” drug policy. Despite the tensions, diplomatic meetings have since alleviated the situation. Petro also denied allegations that he threatened to withdraw Colombia from the World Cup if Israel qualified, which circulated on social media.
