Colombia at the FIFA World Cup 2026

History

Colombia have appeared in the FIFA World Cup on six previous occasions: 1962, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2014, and 2018. Their best tournament came in 2014 in Brazil, where they reached the quarter-finals for the first time, finishing fifth overall. That squad, inspired by James Rodriguez who won the Golden Boot, defeated Uruguay 2-0 in the round of 16 and won their group. Colombia have never won the World Cup. The 2026 tournament is their seventh World Cup appearance.

Qualification

Colombia qualified directly by finishing third in the CONMEBOL South American qualifying table, securing their place in September 2025 under coach Nestor Lorenzo. They accumulated 28 points from 18 matches. The campaign featured notable victories over Argentina and Brazil and began with an eight-match unbeaten run. Colombia finished level on points with Uruguay, Brazil, and Paraguay, with goal difference and head-to-head results determining the final standings. This is their seventh World Cup overall.

Preparation

Head coach Nestor Lorenzo confirmed the final 26-man roster on May 25, 2026. Colombia won both pre-tournament friendlies: 3-1 vs Costa Rica (1 June, Bogota) and 2-0 vs Jordan (7 June, San Diego). They based in Guadalajara (Grand Fiesta Americana, Atlas FC training complex) from June 10, then moved to Mexico City on June 15, training at Club America on June 16 for the June 17 opener. Colombia opened the World Cup with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan at the Estadio Azteca on June 17: Daniel Munoz (40'), Luis Diaz (65-66') and substitute Jaminton Campaz (90+9') scored. Colombia then beat DR Congo 1-0 at Estadio Akron on June 23: Munoz 76', from a Quintero-Cordoba layoff after tactical subs. They flew to Miami on June 25 for the final group match and drew 0-0 with Portugal at Hard Rock Stadium on June 27. Colombia produced 24 shots - their most ever in a World Cup match - but could not find the net; Davinson Sanchez had a 91st-minute header ruled out by VAR for a marginal offside. James Rodriguez became the first Colombian to reach 11 World Cup appearances. Colombia topped Group K with 7 points (2W 1D, 4 GF 1 GA) undefeated throughout the group stage. Colombia beat Ghana 1-0 in the Round of 32 at Kansas City Stadium on July 3, Jhon Arias scoring in the 14th minute from a Luis Suarez assist; Suarez had come on early after Jhon Cordoba went off in the 6th-8th minute with what was later confirmed as a torn left adductor, ruling him out for the rest of the tournament. In the Round of 16 against Switzerland at BC Place, Vancouver on July 7, Colombia were held 0-0 through 90 minutes and extra time (Lucumi hit the crossbar, Campaz missed a clear chance) before losing 4-3 on penalties: Davinson Sanchez struck the bar and Cucho Hernandez was saved by Gregor Kobel. Colombia's World Cup ended in the Round of 16.

Latest news

Colombia eliminated: Switzerland beat them 4-3 on penalties in the Round of 16

· matches

Colombia drew 0-0 with Switzerland at BC Place, Vancouver on July 7 after 90 minutes plus extra time (Lucumi hit the bar, Campaz missed late). Switzerland won 4-3 on penalties: Akanji missed, but Davinson Sanchez struck the bar and Cucho Hernandez was saved before Ruben Vargas scored the winner. Colombia's World Cup ends in the Round of 16.

Cordoba ruled out for the rest of the World Cup with a torn left adductor

· injuries

Coach Nestor Lorenzo confirmed on July 7 that Jhon Cordoba's left adductor tear, sustained early in the Ghana win, ends his tournament: 'He won't be able to play for the rest of the tournament. Unfortunately, he's no longer available to us.' The injury was estimated at around four weeks' recovery; Cordoba missed the Round of 16 against Switzerland.

Colombia beat Ghana 1-0 to reach Round of 16, but lose Cordoba to injury

· matches

Colombia beat Ghana 1-0 in the Round of 32 at Kansas City Stadium on July 3. Jhon Arias scored in the 14th minute from a Luis Suarez cross. Jhon Cordoba was forced off injured in the 6th-8th minute, replaced early by Suarez. Colombia dominated (Diaz had an effort ruled offside; Ati-Zigi made key saves) and advance to face Switzerland in the Round of 16.

Colombia 0-0 Portugal: Sanchez header ruled out by VAR; Colombia top Group K with 7 points

· matches

Colombia 0-0 Portugal, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, June 27, 2026 (Group K, MD3), 1st on 7 pts (2W 1D, 4 GF 1 GA). Their 24 shots, their World Cup record, no goal; Davinson Sanchez's 91st-min header was VAR-ruled offside (toe past Leao). Camilo Vargas denied Bruno Fernandes. Captain James Rodriguez hit a Colombia-record 11 World Cup games, past Rincon, Valderrama (10). Jhon Cordoba started up front.

Lorenzo post-Portugal: 'We played a great match but lacked finishing'; Colombia face Ghana on July 3 in Kansas City

· general

Lorenzo on the Portugal 0-0: 'Jugamos un partidazo pero nos faltó definición - I think we even surpassed them.' Praised Davinson Sanchez's marking of Ronaldo and growth since Copa América. Unbeaten (7 pts), Colombia face Ghana in the last 32, July 3, Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City (9:30 p.m. ET). Ghana boss Carlos Queiroz once led Colombia. He added: 'There are no easy opponents in a World Cup.'

Colombia fly to Miami for Portugal showdown; Lorenzo: 'It will be a test between two similar teams'

· general

Colombia flew to Miami on June 25 after a closed-door Atlas AGA session for the final Group K match vs Portugal on June 27 (Hard Rock Stadium, 7:30 p.m. local). Lorenzo held a pre-match presser June 26 in Miami. He said: 'Portugal is a team more similar to us - it comes out to be the protagonist. Cristiano is one of the best finishers in the world; we can't leave him unmarked.'

Colombia split into two recovery groups the day after qualifying; squad travel to Miami on June 25

· general

After clinching qualification, the FCF confirmed Colombia completed a recovery session at Atlas AGA on June 24. The 11 starters plus Quintero and Cordoba did active regeneration at the hotel; the other 13 players did technical-tactical fieldwork with Atlas youth players. The delegation flew to Miami on June 25 at 4 p.m. for the June 27 decider vs Portugal.

Colombia beat DR Congo 1-0; Munoz scores again to seal Group K top spot

· matches

Colombia beat DR Congo 1-0 at Estadio Akron, Guadalajara on 23 June 2026 (Group K, Matchday 2). Munoz scored the 76th-minute winner from a Quintero-Cordoba layoff, his second in two games. Diaz had two efforts disallowed. XI (4-2-3-1): Vargas; Munoz, Lucumi, Sanchez, Mojica; Lerma, Puerta; Arias, James (c), Diaz; Suarez. Colombia top Group K on 6 pts, into the Round of 32.

Lorenzo post-Congo: 'We used different channels to create spaces'; warns Portugal is a complete team

· general

At the FCF post-match presser after the 1-0 vs DR Congo, Lorenzo said: 'We had to use different channels, look for spaces and open roads. We created chances from virtually every area.' On bringing on Quintero for James: 'to bring fresh legs; Juanfer can perform a similar role.' He described Portugal as 'a complete team that dominates possession - a very important test for us.'

Final pre-Congo training cut short by electrical storm in Guadalajara; squad moves indoors

· general

Colombia's final field session on June 22 was halted after less than 30 minutes when an electrical storm over the Atlas AGA Academy in Zapopan activated safety protocols. Players left the pitch and completed preparation indoors in the gym. No injury or suspension concerns; all 26 players remained available.

Colombia train at Guadalajara base with full squad; all fit ahead of DR Congo on June 23

· general

On June 19 and 20 Colombia held two training sessions back at the Atlas AGA Academy in Guadalajara. All 26 players were working normally, showing good dynamics and team spirit. Starters from the Uzbekistan win did recovery work in the gym on the first day back, while unused players trained on the field alongside the U-21 squad.

Portilla misses training after death of grandfather Oscar Lugo Rios; FCF expresses condolences

· general

Oscar Lugo Rios, grandfather of Juan Camilo Portilla, passed away on 19 June 2026. Portilla did not take part in that day's training session in Guadalajara. The FCF issued a formal statement of condolence expressing sympathy for the passing of Oscar Lugo Rios and accompanying the family. Portilla remains part of the 26-man World Cup squad.

Colombia open World Cup with 3-1 win over Uzbekistan at Estadio Azteca

· matches

Colombia beat Uzbekistan 3-1 at the Estadio Azteca on 17 June 2026 (Group K). Munoz (40'), Diaz (65') and sub Campaz (90+9') scored; Fayzullaev equalized at 60'. Starting XI: Vargas; Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica; Puerta, Lerma, Rodriguez (c); Arias, Diaz, Suarez. Subs: Campaz on (72'), Cucho+Rios (80'), Gomez (90+3'). Cordoba on bench, did not enter. Colombia top Group K.

Lorenzo post-match: 'Satisfied with the scorers, but we must improve'; warns about DR Congo

· general

Lorenzo post-match: 'Es una satisfaccion que Lucho, Daniel y Jaminton hayan marcado.' He said Colombia 'sank a bit' after the 60th minute, ran 'a big risk' playing high up the pitch, and did not finish cleanly. He warned DR Congo 'plays on transitions, long balls, with speed' and will be a very different challenge.

Colombia train at Club America facility in Mexico City the day before Uzbekistan debut

· general

On 16 June Colombia trained at Club America in Mexico City, with 15 minutes open to media. Lorenzo held a pre-match press conference at the Azteca. Portilla spoke of good team harmony; Ditta highlighted preparation around Uzbekistan's transitions. The squad was based at the Westin hotel in Lomas de Santa Fe.

Colombia delegation of 26 arrives in Mexico City ahead of World Cup opener

· general

Colombia's delegation of 26 players arrived in Mexico City on 15 June, transferring from their Guadalajara base. They checked into the Westin in Lomas de Santa Fe and trained at Club America on 16 June. Lorenzo pre-match confirmed Cordoba was fit but behind on match rhythm after missing the warm-up friendlies.

Colombia hold first Guadalajara training session open to 200 children and press

· general

On 11 June Colombia held their first Guadalajara training session at Academia AGA, with Lorenzo opening it to the public - a departure from his normally closed approach. Around 200 children invited by FIFA and the Colombian consulate attended. Captain James Rodriguez signed autographs after the session, as did Luis Diaz and others. Jhon Cordoba trained without incident alongside all 26 call-ups.

Cordoba trains with squad in Guadalajara but tendon issue still monitored day by day

· injuries

El Colombiano (11 June) flagged Cordoba as Colombia's remaining fitness concern in Guadalajara. Lorenzo said: 'La recuperacion va bien, dia a dia; como es el tendon, es un tema. Lo vamos manejando dia a dia, pero ya hoy entreno con el grupo.' His availability for the June 17 debut vs Uzbekistan is not fully guaranteed; Luis Suarez and Cucho Hernandez are the fallback strikers.

Colombia move to Guadalajara World Cup base after San Diego send-off

· general

On 10 June 2026 Colombia flew from San Diego to Guadalajara, Mexico, their registered group-stage base, lodging at the Grand Fiesta Americana hotel. They train at Atlas FC's Academia AGA complex (a tie helped by keeper Camilo Vargas, an Atlas player) from June 11 until travelling to Mexico City around June 15 to open the World Cup against Uzbekistan at the Estadio Azteca on 17 June.

Colombia close World Cup preparation with 2-0 win over Jordan, Jhon Arias double

· matches

Colombia beat Jordan 2-0 at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego on 7 June 2026 in their final pre-tournament friendly. Jhon Arias scored both goals, the first late in the first half from a James Rodriguez assist and the second around the 55th minute, a header set up by Santiago Arias. All 26 World Cup call-ups featured, ending warm-ups with back-to-back wins after the 3-1 over Costa Rica.

Cordoba back in full training, expected to face Jordan; Colombia at full strength

· injuries

On 6 June 2026 reports confirmed Jhon Cordoba recovered from the knee knock that kept him out of the Costa Rica friendly, training at his teammates' pace. Coach Nestor Lorenzo said the striker 'va bien' after medical checks ruled out a serious injury, leaving all 26 called-up players available. Cordoba is expected to feature against Jordan on 7 June and arrive at the World Cup in good condition.

Lorenzo in San Diego: 'The national team plays for 50 million Colombians'

· general

Ahead of the Jordan friendly, Nestor Lorenzo held a press conference in San Diego on 6 June 2026, where the squad trained at San Diego FC's facility. He called for unity, saying the team 'plays for 50 million Colombians, to bring them joy', stressed Colombia must keep improving game by game to go far at the World Cup, and praised Gustavo Puerta's versatility.

Colombia fly to San Diego for final World Cup tune-up against Jordan

· matches

After a morning training session at the FCF facility in Bogota, Colombia were set to fly to San Diego on the afternoon of 4 June 2026 for their last pre-tournament friendly, against Jordan on 7 June at Snapdragon Stadium. From there the delegation moves directly to Guadalajara, Mexico, their group-stage base, before opening the World Cup against Uzbekistan at the Estadio Azteca on 17 June.

Cordoba diagnosis eased: mild knee contusion, expected available vs Jordan and the opener

· injuries

Reports on 3 June 2026 downgraded Jhon Cordoba's problem to a mild knee contusion with no muscle, bone or tendon damage, easing the earlier ankle-tendon concern. Journalist Andres Marocco said it was 'only a knock' and that Cordoba would be available for the World Cup opener and probably also for the 7 June friendly against Jordan, though possibly from the bench.

Colombia beat Costa Rica 3-1 in El Campin send-off

· matches

Colombia won their farewell friendly against Costa Rica 3-1 at El Campin in Bogota on 1 June 2026. Davinson Sanchez (17'), Luis Diaz (23') and Luis Suarez (81') scored for Colombia, with Soto (32') replying for Costa Rica. It was their first match at the stadium in seven years and the penultimate tune-up before the World Cup.

Colombia play Costa Rica in El Campin farewell, first match in Bogota in seven years

· matches

Colombia hosted Costa Rica at El Campin in Bogota on 1 June 2026, their first match at the stadium in seven years and penultimate tune-up before the World Cup. Nestor Lorenzo named a strong side: Camilo Vargas, Daniel Munoz, Davinson Sanchez, Jhon Lucumi, Johan Mojica, Jefferson Lerma, Richard Rios, James Rodriguez, Jhon Arias, Luis Diaz and Luis Suarez.

Final friendly vs Jordan set for 7 June as Colombia close World Cup preparation

· matches

Colombia confirmed their last pre-tournament tune-up: an international friendly against Jordan on 7 June 2026. It follows the 1 June send-off against Costa Rica and is the team's final match before opening the World Cup against Uzbekistan. Nestor Lorenzo's 26-man squad was described as consolidated and complete for the window.

Colombia move El Campin send-off friendly vs Costa Rica to 1 June over security logistics

· matches

The Colombian Football Federation moved the World Cup farewell friendly vs Costa Rica at El Campin in Bogota from 29 May to 1 June 2026, citing city authorities' commitments over match-day security. The FCF said 1 June was the staff's intended date and keeps all called-up players available. Colombian band Morat headlines the farewell show.

Squad

PlayerPositionClub
Camilo VargasGKAtlas
David OspinaGKAtletico Nacional
Álvaro MonteroGKVélez Sarsfield
Daniel MuñozDFCrystal Palace
Davinson SánchezDFGalatasaray
Yerry MinaDFCagliari
Jhon LucumíDFBologna
Johan MojicaDFMallorca
Santiago AriasDFIndependiente
Willer DittaDFCruz Azul
Déiver MachadoDFNantes
James RodríguezMFMinnesota United
Jefferson LermaMFCrystal Palace
Richard RíosMFBenfica
Jhon AriasMFPalmeiras
Jorge CarrascalMFFlamengo
Kevin CastañoMFRiver Plate
Juan Fernando QuinteroMFRiver Plate
Gustavo PuertaMFRacing Santander
Juan Camilo PortillaMFAthletico Paranaense
Jáminton CampazMFRosario Central
Luis DíazFWBayern Munich
Luis SuárezFWSporting CP
Jhon CórdobaFWKrasnodar
Juan Camilo HernándezFWReal Betis
Carlos Andrés GómezFWVasco da Gama

Recent results

  • 2023-09-07 — COL 1-0 VEN (qualification)
  • 2023-09-12 — CHI 0-0 COL (qualification)
  • 2023-10-12 — COL 2-2 URU (qualification)
  • 2023-10-17 — ECU 0-0 COL (qualification)
  • 2023-11-16 — COL 2-1 BRA (qualification)
  • 2023-11-21 — PAR 0-1 COL (qualification)
  • 2024-03-22 — ESP 0-1 COL (friendly)
  • 2024-03-26 — COL 3-2 ROU (friendly)
  • 2024-06-08 — USA 1-5 COL (friendly)
  • 2024-06-15 — COL 3-0 BOL (friendly)
  • 2024-09-06 — PER 1-1 COL (qualification)
  • 2024-09-10 — COL 2-1 ARG (qualification)
  • 2024-10-10 — BOL 1-0 COL (qualification)
  • 2024-10-15 — COL 4-0 CHI (qualification)
  • 2024-11-15 — URU 3-2 COL (qualification)
  • 2024-11-19 — COL 0-1 ECU (qualification)
  • 2025-03-20 — BRA 2-1 COL (qualification)
  • 2025-03-25 — COL 2-2 PAR (qualification)
  • 2025-06-06 — COL 0-0 PER (qualification)
  • 2025-06-10 — ARG 1-1 COL (qualification)
  • 2025-09-04 — COL 3-0 BOL (qualification)
  • 2025-09-09 — VEN 3-6 COL (qualification)
  • 2025-10-11 — MEX 0-4 COL (friendly)
  • 2025-10-14 — CAN 0-0 COL (friendly)
  • 2025-11-15 — COL 2-1 NZL (friendly)
  • 2025-11-18 — COL 3-0 AUS (friendly)
  • 2026-03-26 — COL 1-2 CRO (friendly)
  • 2026-03-29 — COL 1-3 FRA (friendly)
  • 2026-06-01 — COL 3-1 CRC (friendly)
  • 2026-06-07 — COL 2-0 JOR (friendly)
  • 2026-06-17 — COL 3-1 UZB (group)
  • 2026-06-23 — COL 1-0 COD (group)
  • 2026-06-27 — COL 0-0 POR (group)
  • 2026-07-03 — COL 1-0 GHA (round_of_32)
  • 2026-07-07 — SUI 0-0 COL (round_of_16)

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