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 released a preliminary 55-man squad on May 14, 2026, and confirmed the final 26-man roster on May 25, 2026. The El Campin send-off friendly against Costa Rica in Bogota, originally set for May 29, was moved to June 1, 2026 over match-day security logistics; it was Colombia's first match at El Campin in seven years, with the band Morat headlining the farewell show. The team then face Jordan on June 7 in their final pre-tournament friendly. The preparation schedule included an initial training cycle in Medellin, followed by a camp in Bogota. Colombia will base themselves in Guadalajara, Mexico, using the training facilities of Club Atlas during the tournament. Form in early 2026 was inconsistent, with defeats to Croatia (1-2) and France (1-3) during the March window raising some concerns ahead of the tournament.

Latest news

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)

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