Mexico City, Guadalajara, Miami, and Kansas City have welcomed thousands of Colombian fans as the team progresses in the World Cup. After weeks of travel, they are now gathering in Vancouver, eager to witness Néstor Lorenzo’s squad attempt to secure their first quarter-final berth in 12 years against Switzerland on Tuesday. Following their enthusiastic presence in Mexico and the United States, ‘yellow fever’ is set to make its mark in Canada.
This surge in fan presence, which has brought vibrant color and joy to host cities, recalls the last quarter-final in 2014. Back then, Colombian supporters traveled in droves to Brazil, motivated not only by geographical proximity but also by the excitement of the national team returning to the World Cup after a long absence. James Rodríguez, a standout player from that tournament, recently addressed fans, urging them to maintain a positive atmosphere, especially after some challenges during the 2024 Copa América in the US.
“They should know that we always give everything and that this positive energy – in the right spirit, by posting on social media as well – is contagious,” Rodríguez stated. “You feel it and I simply ask them to bring those good vibes, keep them going and that they do things properly.”
Despite being unable to assert himself during this tournament, Rodríguez was substituted at halftime in the last-32 match against Ghana in Kansas City. The Colombian players received a warm welcome from fans who serenaded them from the hotel balcony the night before the match, with some visibly emotional. Luis Díaz, stepping up in Rodríguez’s absence, expressed his gratitude on social media.
“Thank you for your support. You are incredible!”
For Juan Carlos Mila, 54, following Colombia in the World Cup has become a family adventure. This is his first World Cup experience, and he has traveled to North America with his wife and children, all of whom have brought their partners. They initially flew to Mexico City for the opening match against Uzbekistan but returned home after failing to secure tickets for the subsequent game against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Guadalajara.
Upon reaching the United States, the family committed fully to the experience, renting a minivan to traverse the country. They have already traveled 7,000 miles, attending matches in Miami against Portugal and the knockout game against Ghana in Kansas City. Their next destination is New York, where they hope to cheer on their team in the final.
“We brought T-shirts, vueltiaos hats, caps, Colombia flags,” Mila shared. “My kids, being entrepreneurs, started selling them. It all helps to pay for the vehicle rental, petrol, food, hotels. I asked them if they were embarrassed by having to do this and they said: ‘No, Dad, it’s embarrassing if you get caught stealing. Why would we be embarrassed?’”
Mila’s family has also made a creative effort to stand out in stadiums. “We made a flag that is around six metres long and cut six holes into it,” he explained. “We put our heads through the holes. The flag says ‘Colombia Mundial 2026’.”
The level of enthusiasm among Colombian fans has caught the attention of their opponents. “This is the first game that we’re playing ‘away from home’, so to speak,” remarked Roberto Martínez before his Portugal side faced Colombia. “There is a huge number of Colombia fans here in Miami, so it will be a big challenge to control the game and be ourselves in these surroundings, keeping our emotions in check.”
Ghana’s manager, Carlos Queiroz, also expressed surprise at the support for Colombia. The Portuguese coach previously managed Colombia but never experienced a competitive match with fans due to the Covid pandemic. “Colombia have [good] players, passion and incredible fans,” he noted after Ghana’s elimination in a stadium filled with yellow shirts. “They started to win the game after the anthem. They were stronger with 60,000 people on their side and it affects an inexperienced team. I felt some of my Ghana players were not calm because Colombia’s 12th man did a very good job.”
Interestingly, the Colombia shirt has sparked controversy back home. The timing of the World Cup coincided with the second round of presidential elections. Abelardo de la Espriella, the rightwing candidate now president-elect, was seen wearing the Colombia shirt, prompting criticism from his left-wing rival, Iván Cepeda.
“The Colombia team is for all Colombians. Its use for political, personal and ideological purposes is a clearly opportunistic move and its legal implications should be examined,”
Cepeda stated. After the Colombian Football Federation indicated it could not limit the use of the shirt, he ultimately wore it to his own campaign events.
Despite these controversies, the Colombian team remains a symbol of unity, and fans are optimistic as they look forward to the next match. “The players are the ones who want it most. Us, as fans, we’re watching it from afar with great anticipation, support and yearning,” Mila remarked. “They’ll go out on to the pitch to give their all. They don’t want to lose the ball or lose the game. That’s contagious.”
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