Fifa World Cup 2026: What you need to know about Colombia
James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz shone as Colombia finished third in South American qualifying
- Published
Get the lowdown on every team at the 2026 World Cup. Here we take a closer look at Colombia.
What can I expect from Colombia?
Colombia's 2026 campaign could be a story of two stars - Luis Diaz, heading to his first World Cup at the peak of his powers, and James Rodriguez, the boy wonder of 2014, aiming for one last dance on the biggest stage.
Together, they had a hand in 60.7% of Los Cafeteros' qualifying goals - 17 of the team's 28 goals were either scored or assisted by one of the pair.
The duo were also instrumental as Colombia reached the 2024 Copa America final, with Rodriguez rolling back the years to be named player of the tournament.
But the veteran, who turns 35 in July, has played little club football this year and may lack fitness and rhythm.
Coach Nestor Lorenzo admits his captain "runs less and thinks more" these days, which makes it imperative he is surrounded by grafters.
Colombia will need players such as Jhon Arias - a winger often deployed as a number eight for his country - to do the hard yards out of possession.
What are Colombia's strengths?
Luis Diaz's trickery makes Colombia dangerous in transitions. They scored seven times from fast breaks in qualifying, four more than any other South American side.
They should also benefit from continuity, having fielded a fairly settled side in recent years.
The team are unlikely to be fazed by the heat and can also expect strong backing from the Colombian diaspora when playing in the US.
And what about their weaknesses?
Colombia were uncharacteristically poor in March's two friendlies - France sliced through them almost at will, while Croatia exposed defensive vulnerabilities.
Mexico-based goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, 37, does not always inspire confidence, while no player has yet made the centre-forward role his own.
How might Colombia line up?
Which players should I look out for?
James Rodriguez, 34, invariably raises his game on international duty and has scored or assisted 10 of Colombia's 18 World Cup goals this century. Top scorer at the 2014 tournament but hampered by injury in 2018, his contract with Minnesota United is set to expire on 30 June.
With doubts over Rodriguez's fitness, the onus is on Luis Diaz, 29, to be Colombia's main man this summer. He was their top scorer in qualifying with seven goals and has been in blistering form for Bayern Munich, registering 26 goals and 19 assists in his first season in Germany.
Striker Luis Suarez, 28, scored 38 goals for Sporting this season, and is the front-runner to fill a problem position for Colombia. Once on the books at Watford, though without making an appearance, Suarez struck four times as his country beat Venezuela 6-3 in their final qualifier.
Luis Suarez was the first player to score four times in a South American qualifier since his Uruguayan namesake in 2011
Who is Colombia's head coach?
Nestor Lorenzo, 60, spent most of his coaching career as an assistant, working at three World Cups alongside former Argentina and Colombia manager Jose Pekerman.
Lorenzo's first job as a head coach was with Peruvian side Melgar. He left them in July 2022 to take charge of Colombia.
How did Colombia qualify?
They looked to be cruising after losing only one of their opening 10 qualifiers, a run that included wins over both Brazil and Argentina.
A six-match winless streak then set nerves jangling, but they finally sealed their place by beating Bolivia 3-0 in their penultimate game.
Where can I watch Colombia?
All of Colombia's matches will also be covered live on the BBC Sport website and app with updates, analysis, and fan reaction. Come and be part of it!
Give me a fact to impress my friends
Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo started Argentina's defeat by West Germany in the 1990 World Cup final at Rome's Stadio Olimpico. His next competitive appearance came four months later in less glamorous surroundings at Swindon Town's County Ground.
He joined the Division Two club from Serie A Bari and has fond memories of Wiltshire. "It was a very good time of my life," he says.
Now give me some proper detail
Colombia reached the knockout stage at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups before losing direction after Jose Pekerman's departure, failing to even qualify for Qatar. But their fortunes have been revived under Pekerman's long-time assistant Nestor Lorenzo.
Los Cafeteros set a national record by going 28 games unbeaten (25 under Lorenzo), defeating Germany, Spain and Brazil, before eventually losing to Argentina after extra time in the 2024 Copa America final.
Lorenzo's decision to build the side around James Rodriguez, despite patchy club form, has so far been vindicated. "He's a player who needs to be covered by the team, to be given the ideal context to perform," the coach says.
That faith paid off in World Cup qualifying. Rodriguez created 56 chances - twice as many as any other South American - and produced seven assists, three more than anyone else.
However, his preparations for the final tournament have been far from ideal.
Colombia's captain joined Minnesota United, his 13th club, in February but made only eight appearances, including two MLS starts, and his short-term contract is not expected to be extended beyond June.
His lack of sharpness was painfully obvious in games against Croatia and France earlier this year. He ended the France match dehydrated and later spent three days in hospital.
While he returned to action within a fortnight, this summer's conditions will be unforgiving - Colombia's first two fixtures are at altitude in Mexico, their third in sweltering Miami.
How have Colombia done at previous World Cups?
Los Cafeteros reached the quarter-finals in 2014, losing to hosts Brazil. They also advanced to the last 16 in 1990 and 2018.
