How they qualifiedÂ
Colombia looked to be in cruise control after losing only one of their opening 10 qualifiers. This was a run that included wins over both Brazil and the holders, Argentina.
However, a six-match winless streak meant that nerves crept into the minds of the Colombian players. These nerves were finally settled when they sealed their place at the finals by beating Bolivia 3-0 in their penultimate game.
Before their victory over Bolivia they also secured a vital point in the 1-1 draw away to Argentina. Luis Diaz gave them the lead in that match before the World Champions equalised late on.
Key playersÂ
Liverpool fans are no strangers to this exciting left winger Luis DÃaz. He’s been in scintillating form for Bayern Munich, racking up 26 goals and 19 assists in his first season in Germany alongside Harry Kane.
The 29 year-old was Colombia’s top goalscorer in qualifying with seven goals. Los Cafeteros have an exciting forward line and Diaz could well be their key man, especially with concerns over the fitness of skipper James Rodriguez.
Luis Suárez may have the same name as another famous striker, but this one doesn’t bite. Suárez could be the solution as the main source of goals for Colombia. He struck four times in their last qualifier against Venezuela, with his team winning the match 6-3.
Playing for Sporting Lisbon in Portugal, the 28 year-old bagged 38 goals in all competitions this season. He was once on the books for Watford, so they may well be regretting their decision to let him go back in 2020.
Potential breakout player: Gustavo PuertaÂ
There aren’t many young players in the Colombian squad, but Puerta is certainly developing nicely. The 22 year-old has had a solid season for Racing de Santander, making 25 La Liga appearances and scoring 3 goals.
Hull City fans will be familiar with him, as he played on loan for The Tigers during the 2024-25 season. He also won the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023-24 campaign.
World Cup historyÂ
- 22 matches played in 1962, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2014 and 2018.
- In their last World Cup appearance they lost on penalties to England in the Round of 16.
- In 2014 they reached the quarter-finals, losing to hosts Brazil.
- James Rodriguez was the top scorer at the 2014 tournament and has scored or assisted 10 of Colombia’s 18 World Cup goals this century.
Coach profile: Nestor Lorenzo
The 60 year-old has spent most of his coaching career as an assistant. He worked 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 La Tricolor.
Country fun facts
- One of the nicknames for the national team is ‘The Coffee Growers’. This probably has something to do with the fact that they’re the third largest coffee exporter in the world.
- It has a population of around 52 million people.
- Colombia is the only country in South America that borders both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
- If you were to venture into there Colombian Amazon, you might spot the unique, freshwater pink Amazon river dolphin.
Fan culture
Much like other South American countries, the whole nation stops when Colombia play. Roads are shut and drums are banged.
Fans watch the games in large groups, often gathering at homes with family and friends or neighbourhood plazas. Here they eat ‘picada’ (mixed meats) and drinks lots of beer. Sounds good to me!
Group stage fixtures
- June 17, 2026 – Uzbekistan vs Colombia (10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT)
- June 23, 2026 – Colombia vs DR Congo (10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 a.m. PT)
- June 27, 2026 – Colombia vs Portugal (7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT)
